Karuppu Kavuni Aval Payasam

Directions

1. 1
   If you are using Karuppu Kavuni Aval, rinse the beaten rice flakes with water a couple of times and then soak in half the milk for about half an hour.
2. 2
   If using red or white beaten rice flakes, just rinse in water a couple of times. No soaking is required. Wash the beaten rice flakes and drain the water completely. Keep aside.
3. 3
   In a heavy bottomed/ thick-walled pan, pour the remaining half litre of milk and bring it to boil. Turn down the heat and add the soaked beaten rice flakes with the milk. Bring to a boil while stirring making sure it doesn’t stick to the bottom and burn.
4. 4
   Let it simmer and cook until the rice flakes are cooked. Keep stirring on and off. This should take about 15 to 20 minutes. The milk should reduce a bit and the mixture will thicken a bit.
5. 5
   Now add the sugar and stir till it dissolves. Allow the milk-beaten rice flakes-sugar mixture/ payasam to cook for another 10 minutes till it thickens slightly. Take it off the heat. Once it cools to room temperature, it will thicken a little more. The milk in the cooked payasam should be slightly thicker, like evaporated milk.
6. 6
   Stir in the powdered cardamom.
7. 7
   Remove from the stove.
8. 8
   Transfer into serving bowls and garnish with dried rose petals if desired.
9. 9
   Serve warm or chilled.