Purple rice payasam in instant pot

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Purple rice payasam in instant pot, a vibrant twist on the classic Indian dessert known for its creamy texture and sweet, aromatic flavors. payasam is a staple sweet in South Indian households. Using purple rice in this recipe not only adds a unique color it also imparts a rich, nutty flavor and a boost of nutrients. Whether for special occasions or a festive meal, this purple rice payasam recipe is sure to impress your guests!

Contents : (Jump to )

Interesting facts
What is payasam made with rice and jaggery ?
Cultural significance
Ingredients
FAQs
Step pics for making purple rice payasam in Instant pot
Serving
Other MUST -TRY HEALTHY purple foods

History of Black / purple rice :

Interestingly ancient grains with most health benefits are the deeper tone rice varieties. It has been a highly priced commodity and have traded across the world since time immemorial. These include forbidden rice (the rice accessible only to the Chinese emperors and later the nobles), Indonesian black rice, Philippine heirloom balatinaw black rice and pirurutong black glutinous rice and Thai jasmine black rice are all variants of these. The Chak Hao from Manipur and Kavuni arisi from Tamil Nadu are all results of the well established sea trade routes in those days. Kavuni Arisi was introduced to Tamil Nadu by the most popular Chettinad traders of Tamil Nadu from Burma 'Karuppu' translates to black in Tamil. 'Kavuni' is a variation of a Burmese word for sticky rice.

What is payasam made with rice and jaggery ?

Rice and jaggery in varying combination payasam goes by many name Sharkara payasam, Ney Payasam, Kadum payasam. It is a simple yet indulgent dessert that celebrates the essence of Kerala’s culinary heritage. Aravana payasam is the same as the above but made in the Shabarimala temple and the thickest, darkest and sweetest yet the best of them all with a shelf life of unto a year without refrigeration.

Cultural Significance:

Payasam is a traditional Kerala-style sweet rice pudding that is deeply rooted to the state’s cultural and religious practices.

Payasam holds a significant place in Hindu rituals and ceremonies. Hence an important offering (prasadam) in temples and during religious festivals.
In many South Indian households, payasam is an essential part of yearly celebrations and various regional festivals. Therefore served during weddings and other auspicious occasions.
The payasam is a symbol of rich tradition of sweets and the use of local ingredients. Fresh harvest of rice or other grains , dals etc are key ingredient in payasam making. Unrefined sugar or jaggery and coconut plays an important part.

Ingredients for making purple rice payasam :

Organic purple rice brand used here is from Ralston farms

FAQs

Here is some interesting information on rice you should check out.

What rice is used in payasam ?

Usually unakkalari is used. The rice referred to here is the freshly harvested rice that is dried with husk for 2 days in the sun and de husked. It is stored and used in making payasam and kanji etc especially in temples. Unakkal ari can be from pachari (white rice) and matta rice( red rice). Generally for daily use the red rice is cooked once and then dried then de husked and aged for better digestion as it is consumed in large quantities by Keralites.

Can I use any rice for making payasam?

Any rice could be used for making payasam. The fast cooking varieties will simply become a mash and it will have no structure for the final product. The harder varieties of rice will provide structure chewier texture and bite to the payasam. Of course these highest ani oxidant grains are healthy too.

What varieties of rice can I use in this payasam instead?

Preferably use longer cooking rice varieties like brown rice, black rice, wild rice, Korean red rice, arborio rice etc . Be aware of the grain's cooking time before you begin.

Health benefits of purple rice

The bran or the hull (outermost layer) of black rice contains one of the highest levels of antioxidant called anthocyanin a pigment that helps to modulate cognitive and motor function, to enhance memory.Hence these Asian purple rice varieties are very healthy.

What does purple rice taste like?

The highest antioxidant grains, black or purple rice grain tastes mild and nutty. The most trending superfoods 2024 is Purple rice

Step pics for making purple rice payasam in Instant pot:

Use instant pot's stackable container and cook rice on bottom and jaggery on top. Jaggery melts with heat and does not require separate cooking or breaking the large ball . Make sure everything to close the containers and secure with lid properly before stacking.

NOTE : It is very important to make sure rice is cooked properly (not mushy) after adding jaggery rice will not cook. The rice doesn't expand too much or double too much in size.

If there is too much water from rice remove and keep aside and add only if required we are looking for moist not too watery cooked rice. Mix the two when it is hot.

Fry the coconut bits first then the cashew nut as coconut has more cooking time.

The preparation method usually involves slow-cooking the rice or grains with jaggery until the mixture thickens, resulting in a rich and creamy dessert.

Serving:

Portion size - 1 scoop only
Time : Serve Payasam any time of the day. Ideally serve the thick jaggery payasam soon after the morning prayers .Could be on empty stomach early morning, after breakfast or mid morning. To reap the health benefits and for better digestion make sure to serve this traditional dessert during earlier part of the day.
Make ahead : Make Payasam a day or two in advance. Refrigerate if necessary depending on the occasion and outside temperature.
Leftovers : Leftovers stay good under refrigeration unto a week or more.

Other MUST-TRY purple foods :