Gasgase Payasa or Poppy seeds kheer is a special kheer made with poppy seeds, jaggery simmered in coconut based milk. It is a special kheer made in Karnataka for festivals and celebrations.
Roast Poppy seeds in 1 tsp of ghee for few mins on very very low flame till you get a nice aroma. Take care that it doesn't brown or burn. Transfer to a plate. In the same pan, roast raw rice for 30-40 secs, remove.
Soak the poppy seeds in warm water for 10-12 mins (soaking is optional, but it helps the seeds grind better).
Soak half the cashew nuts in the same water
In the same pan, add remaining ghee and roast the nuts and raisins till the raisins plump up and cashews brown a bit (about 30 secs). Remove.
Make a single string syrup of jaggery with 1/8 cup of water and add cardamom powder to it. Let the syrup cool completely.
Grind the soaked and drained poppy seeds, cashew nuts with fresh coconut and rice without any additional water to a smooth paste. Add the jaggery syrup to this paste and slowly simmer for 4-8 mins. Turn off the stove.
Now add boiled and cooled (lukewarm milk) to the kheer in batches till you get a thickish consistency, due to the retentive heat and the warmth of the milk, the kheer might give a nice little dance around the edges of the pan, but dont be tempted to put on the stove now.
Saute the cashewnuts and raisins in the remaining ghee and add to the kheer. Serve hot or warm
Keyword Dessert, Festival Recipes, Gasagase Payasa, Gasgase Payasa, Kheer, Make ahead dessert, Payasams