Creamy Payasam (Vermicelli Pudding)

Indian Cook's Note:

This delicious dessert only needs 5 minutes of your time. It then simmers and needs no watching! A traditional way to end a south Indian meal. This can cook while you eat the main course.

• Total Time: 45 mins
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 40 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 3 tablespoons ghee or 3 tablespoons butter
• 10 cashews
• 20 raisins
• ½ cup vermicelli , loosely packed
• 1 cup water
• 500 ml milk
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 3 cardamom pods

Directions:

1. Put 3 Tbsp Ghee in a pan. A non stick saucepan is best.
2. Add 10 cashews and fry till light brown.
3. Add the raisins and fry till swollen.
4. Add the vermicelli and fry for 5 min, stirring constantly until the strands are all light brown and a few are dark brown.
5. Pour in the water and cook on low heat for 5 minutes. Let the vermicelli cook (no white centre).
6. Add the milk and simmer WITHOUT stirring until the liquid thickens, about 30 minute.
7. Add the sugar, mix well.
8. Sprinkle powdered cardomom pods and remove from heat.