Thirupullani paal payasam

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This Thirupullani paal payasam is a rich and creamy temple style rice pudding that can be made with simple ingredients that could add a touch of completeness to all your festivities.

About Thirupullani paal payasam

I would say another name for this payasam is DIVINE. It tastes and smells divine. This is made with simple ingredients. This is actually made in Thirupullani temple as an offering to god. The sweetness comes from nattu sarkarai which is brown sugar. This makes a huge difference in flavor of the payasam. Simple paal payasam made with simple ingredients. I have heard another story that this payasam was made earlier with the locally available ingredients and did not include any nuts or raisins. Actually speaking, the pudding is so tasty that you won't need the cashews and raisins tempered in ghee. Feel free to add if you prefer. I must warn you that you will not stop with one servings. Though this recipe makes a good amount, you will be seeing the bottom of the bowl very soon. 

Thirupullani paal payasam is "The Payasam and A PERFECT Neivedhyam or Offering" to God Rama. A couple of years my mom suggested to make this payasam. We were talking about different temple prasadams and were talking about this particular paal payasam. Rice cooked, simmered in milk, and sweetened - this payasam or pudding is in real divine in taste.

The key to the flavors is slow cooking the rice in water and milk. When the milk continupusly reduces the cooked rice grains completely breakdown adding to the rich and creamy comforting flavors. The touch of edible camphor is next level flavor explosion.

Historical Background

Going to the history & geography part, Thirupullani is a village in southern Tamil Nadu. One of the legend says that Rama, on his way to fight Ravana, the demon King of Lanka,  he stopped at this place and prayed to Ocean God before building bridge to Lanka sitting on 'pul' (called"Dharba"). That's why the place got its name as Thirupullani.  Another legend says that King Dasaratha, who was childless, performed yagnas and sacrifices at Thirupullani. He received this pudding which he gave to his three wives. After this they were blessed with four babies and one of the child was god Rama (one of the 10 avatars or incarnations of Mahavishnu). This pudding or paal payasam is still the temple prasadam. I have heard these stories from my grandmas. I have visited this temple too, a beautiful one! 

Ingredients

To make this Thirupullani paal paysam, you will need the following ingredients:

Rice - This recipe uses everyday rice. Sticky rice may not work. You can also use Basmati rice instead.

Water - to cook rice

Milk - adds creaminess and flavor to the payasam

Brown sugar - sweetens the payasam. You can use light or dark brown sugar and it reflects the color of the payasam.

Cardamom and edible camphor - adds aroma and flavor

Ghee, cashews and raisins - adds nuttiness and texture

Occasions to make this rice pudding

I feel that this is perfect for celebrating Sri Rama Navami. Our festival food always includes payasam or kheer and god Rama's birthday celebration perfectly pairs with this payasam. In our home, Sri Rama Navami is a huge celebration and we prepare a feast for the neivedhyam(offering to god). This Thirupullani paal payasam is one of dish in the Sri Rama Navami Thali that we cook every year.

However, you can manke this delicious payasam for any festive celebration. Simple rice pudding is always comforting and brings a huge ooh's aaahs with guests and hence a great one to make for entertaining. In addition, this also makes a substantial quantity that is easy to feed a crowd. Double, triple, or even halve the recipe as per your need.

Storage

This Thirupullani paal payasam is a dessert that you cook in milk and hence I would suggest refrigerating it if you have leftovers or if you are planning to serve at a later time. I store the leftover in refrigerator for a couple of days. You can serve this warm or chilled.

More Payasam/Kheer Recipes

Payasam and kheer run in our culture and we make it for every festive occasion. In other words, a festival is not complete without it.

Rice based payasam or pudding is a part of our cuisine. Here are some Indian rice puddings that you can make to complete the dessert space on your menu.

Black Rice Pudding/Kavuni Arisi Paal Payasam

Thengai Arisi Payasam

Triple Chcocolate Paal Payasam

White Chocolate Candy Cane Kheer

Instant Pot Kheer

Ada Pradhaman

Paal Ada Payasam

You can also make this Moong Dal Payasam, Slow cooker Sago Kheer, or Barnyard Millet Paal Payasam for more varieties as each of them have a different flavor profile.

Veggies and fruits are also a great flavor addition to payasam. Try this Dragonfruit Kheer or Vegan Carrot Almond Rice Kheer which will be delicious with the fruity flavors and vibrant colors.