payasam a pudding traditionally served at weddings and other special functions in S. India. Most versions are based on beans or lentils. For example, chirupayaru payasam is made with lentils which are cooked with unrefined brown sugar, then simmered with coconut milk, cardamom, and ghee. The finished dish may be like a cream soup. The possible ingredients are legion: vermicelli, raisins, cashew nuts, sago, ground almonds, etc. A vermicelli version is a favourite of the large S. Indian community in malaysia.
