COCONUT RICE PAYASAM

Thengai Arisi Payasam is usually prepared on first day of Aadi month. Either Jaggery or sugar can be used for this payasam. I like the jaggery version though.This is very easy to prepare and has a unique flavor. Using basmati rice will enhance the flavor.Traditionally raw rice is used.

Ingredients
Grated coconut : 1/2 cup
Basmati Rice/Raw rice: 2 tablespoons
Jaggery/Sugar: 1/2 cup
Milk: 1/2 cup
Ghee: 2 tsp
Cardomon: 2 or 3 pods (powdered)

Cashews: 5 

Water: 1 cup

Procedure:

1. Soak rice in water for about 30 minutes
2. Grind this along with the grated coconut to a smooth paste
3. Take 1 cup of water in a pan and mix this rice coconut paste well
4. Cook this over a slow - medium flame stirring occasionally
5. Once the rice is cooked well (It becomes thick of porridge consistency), add sugar or grated jaggery and stir well
6. Add the milk and cardomom powder
7. Finally fry the cashews in ghee and add it to the payasam