Nut-Free Semiya Payasam

Indulge in the creamy, aromatic delight of Nut-Free Semiya Payasam—an effortless twist on the traditional South Indian dessert that’s perfect for those with nut allergies. Golden-roasted vermicelli simmers gently in rich, whole milk, infused with the warmth of crushed cardamom and the vibrant hue of saffron, creating a luscious base that’s sweetened to perfection. Plump, ghee-fried raisins add bursts of sweetness and texture to every spoonful, while an optional addition of sliced banana brings a fresh, fruity twist. Ready in just 40 minutes with simple pantry staples, this nut-free dessert is ideal for festive celebrations or comforting family meals. Serve it warm or chilled for a decadent finish to any meal!

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 100 grams vermicelli
• 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
• 1 litre whole milk
• 1 cup sugar
• 4 pieces cardamom pods, crushed
• 2 tablespoons raisins
• 1 pinch saffron strands
• 1 small sliced banana (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee in a large, heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Once the ghee is hot, add the vermicelli and roast it gently, stirring constantly until it turns golden brown. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2

In a separate saucepan, gently heat the milk until it comes to a gentle simmer, but do not let it boil.

Step 3

Add the roasted vermicelli to the simmering milk. Stir well to mix and continue cooking on medium heat for about 10 minutes, until the vermicelli is soft and starts to thicken the milk.

Step 4

Stir in the sugar, crushed cardamom pods, and the saffron strands. Continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the sugar is completely dissolved and the payasam thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 5

Meanwhile, in a small pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of ghee. Fry the raisins until they puff up, which should take about 1 minute.

Step 6

Add the fried raisins along with the ghee to the payasam and stir well to combine.

Step 7

If adding sliced banana, stir it into the payasam just before serving.

Step 8

Remove the pan from heat and let the payasam sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve warm or chilled as desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1490 grams (1490.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1992

Total Fat 62.50g	80%
Saturated Fat 36.90g	185%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.10g
Cholesterol 197mg	66%
Sodium 407mg	18%
Total Carbohydrate 325.10g	118%
Dietary Fiber 5.80g	21%
Total Sugars 286.80g
Protein 36.00g	72%

Vitamin D 454IU	2269%
Calcium 1321mg	102%
Iron 2mg	9%
Potassium 2149mg	46%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 28.0%

Protein: 7.2%

Carbs: 64.8%