Semia Payasam / Vermicelli Kheer / Vermicelli Pudding

Semia payasam is a classic Indian dessert and it is very easy to prepare. When I was a kid, my mom makes this for special occasions and we loved it so much. Words are not sufficient to express our happiness when semiya payasam was made and this is a must for birthdays. Yes, this payasam makes our birthdays extra special. I like how my mom makes with milk alone and with long vermicelli. That's my favorite but my kids like the creamier and shortcut version using condensed milk. You can make this in numerous ways and here is a very simple and faster version using condensed milk which can be made in less than 20 minutes. Today being 4th of July, my kids wanted this extra-special dessert (like us). True...when my son shouts saying mommy has made our special snake (semia...he calls snake since it looks long and slender) payasam, can understand how happy they are too. It is best for any festive occasion as well as get together. It can be served warm as well as chilled. So here a special and easy dessert for the RED, WHITE, and BLUE day!

Ingredients

Makes 8 - 10 servings

Vermicelli - 1 cup

Condensed milk - 400g can

Water - 1 cup

Milk - 3 cups

Ghee - 2 tsp

Cashews - 10, halved

Raisins - 1 tbsp

Cardamom - 1/4 tsp, powdered, optional

Method:

Heat 1 tsp of ghee in a pan. Fry the cashews to golden color and add the raisins and take it out in 1 min. Keep this aside.

In the same pan, heat 1 tsp of ghee and roast the vermicelli till golden color.

Now add 1 cup water and 1 cup milk and cook for about 5 min. on a medium flame.

The vermicelli will be cooked and now add the condensed milk and the rest of the milk.

Simmer for 2 to 3 min and switch off the flame.

Garnish with fried cashews and raisins. Serve warm or chilled.

Tips

Add cardamom (1/4 tsp, powdered) if you like.

Since it is yummy when served chilled too, gives an option to make ahead for parties.