Pressure Cooker Paal Payasam (Milk Pudding) - Easy Pink Payasam

Step 1: Prepare the Pressure Cooker

Take a clean 5-liter pressure cooker. Ensure it is thoroughly cleaned and dry.

Step 2: Add Milk and Sugar

Pour 1 liter (4 cups) of full-fat milk into the pressure cooker. Add 1 cup of sugar (or adjust to your preference, e.g., 3/4 cup for less sweetness). Stir well until the sugar completely dissolves in the milk.

Step 3: Add Rice

Once the milk starts to warm up (it doesn't need to boil yet), add just under 1/2 cup of washed Unakkalari (parboiled rice). Ensure the rice quantity does not exceed 1/2 cup. Stir again to combine.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Wait for the milk to come to a boil. Once boiling, close the pressure cooker lid. Place the cooker on the smallest burner of your stove and set the flame to the absolute lowest setting. Allow it to cook undisturbed for 30 minutes. You might hear a slight sound, but a whistle is not expected. If a whistle does occur, briefly turn off the flame and then turn it back on.

Step 5: Rest and Release Pressure

After 30 minutes of cooking on low flame, turn off the heat. Carefully move the pressure cooker to a corner of the kitchen where it won't be disturbed. Let it sit for approximately 1 hour, allowing the pressure to release naturally and the payasam to cool down completely. Do not attempt to open it before the pressure is fully released.

Step 6: Serve the Paal Payasam

Once the pressure has completely released (after about an hour), open the pressure cooker. You will notice the payasam has developed a beautiful pink color and a thick, creamy consistency. Stir it gently. The Paal Payasam is now ready to be served. Transfer it to a serving dish and enjoy.

• Use a clean pressure cooker, preferably 5 liters or larger, to prevent milk from overflowing.

• Adjust the sugar quantity according to your preference; 3/4 cup can be used for a less sweet payasam.

• Ensure the pressure cooker is placed on the smallest burner with the lowest flame setting for slow cooking.

• Do not open the pressure cooker immediately after turning off the flame; allow it to cool down naturally for about an hour to develop the pink color and ensure proper cooking.

• If Unakkalari (parboiled rice) is not available, you can use Pachari (raw rice) instead.