Atukula Payasam Recipe – Sweet Poha Kheer in 10 Minutes

Introduction

Atukula Payasam, also known as Sweet Poha Kheer, is a traditional South Indian dessert prepared using flattened rice, milk, jaggery, and aromatic spices. This simple yet flavorful sweet is especially popular in Andhra and Telangana households and is commonly offered as prasadam during festivals like Krishna Jayanthi, Navratri, Varalakshmi Vratam, and Ugadi.

With minimal ingredients and a quick cooking process, this dessert can be prepared in just 10 minutes, making it ideal for busy mornings, sudden pooja plans, or festive offerings.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Poha (Flattened Rice)
• 2 cups Full Cream Milk
• ½ cup Jaggery (or Sugar)
• 2 tablespoons Ghee
• 8–10 Cashew Nuts
• 8–10 Raisins
• ½ teaspoon Cardamom Powder
• ¼ cup Water

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Wash poha gently under running water once or twice and drain excess water.
2. Heat ghee in a pan and fry cashews until golden brown. Add raisins and fry until they puff up. Remove and keep aside.
3. In the same pan, add milk and bring it to a gentle boil.
4. Add washed poha to boiling milk and cook for 5–6 minutes until soft.
5. Prepare jaggery syrup by melting jaggery with water and strain impurities.
6. Add jaggery syrup to the poha mixture and mix well on low flame.
7. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring continuously.
8. Add cardamom powder, fried cashews, and raisins.
9. Turn off the flame and let it rest for a minute.

Tips & Variations

• Do not soak poha for long to avoid mushy texture.
• Jaggery gives authentic flavor, but sugar can be substituted.
• Replace half the milk with coconut milk for richer taste.
• Add saffron strands for enhanced aroma and color.

Health Benefits

Atukula Payasam is light, easy to digest, and provides instant energy. Poha offers complex carbohydrates, milk supplies calcium and protein, while jaggery adds iron and essential minerals. Nuts and ghee contribute healthy fats, making this dessert nutritious when consumed in moderation.

Nutrition Information

Each serving provides carbohydrates for energy, protein from milk, healthy fats from nuts and ghee, and trace minerals from jaggery. Though nutritious, portion control is recommended due to natural sugars and ghee.

Who Should Eat / Avoid

This payasam is suitable for all age groups and ideal for festive fasting days. People with lactose intolerance or diabetes should consume in moderation or use suitable alternatives.

Storage Tips

Store Atukula Payasam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently with a little milk to restore consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Atukula Payasam without jaggery?

Yes, sugar can be used, but jaggery provides traditional flavor.
2. Can coconut milk be used?

Yes, coconut milk enhances taste and richness.
3. Which poha works best?

Thin or medium poha gives the best texture.

Conclusion

Atukula Payasam is a quick, traditional, and comforting dessert that perfectly suits festivals and pooja offerings. Its simple preparation and rich flavor make it a timeless favorite in South Indian homes.