Paramannam

Parammannam is a rice porridge made for gods during festivals.It is popular in house warming ceremonies where the milk is allowed to boil and overflow which indicates prosperity and then rice is added and cooked.This is my dads favorite sweet and I remember my first failed attempt in my 8th grade when I added sugar and rice together and waited infinitely long for it to cook but only ended up burning the pot.I made this on Sivaratri,the day I lost my dad 10 years ago in his remembrance.

Preparation Time:30 minutes

Serves:4

Ingredients:

1 cup raw rice washed
1 cup sugar
8 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
2 tablespoons cashews

2 tablespoons raisins
1 tablespoon ghee

Procedure:

1. Boil milk in a pan until it is just about to overflow on high heat.

2.Bring the heat to medium and add the rice to the milk and let it cook until it is soft, stirring in between. It becomes like a thick porridge.

3.Turn the heat to low and add the cardamom powder and sugar and mix until dissolved.

4.In a separate pan heat the ghee and roast cashews and raisins separately and add to the rice mixture. Stir and turn off the stove.

Tips:

You can also use jaggery instead of sugar for a more earthier taste.

Do not add the sugar before the rice is cooked ,it will stop the process of cooking.

You can also add small roasted coconut pieces, rock candy or milk mawa to this for added flavor.