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    Thinai payasam | Millet payasam

    October 30, 2025 By Vidya Srinivasan Leave a Comment

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    Thinai Payasam, Foxtail Millet Payasam, millet dessert recipe, South Indian sweet, healthy payasam, jaggery payasam, coconut milk kheer, Navratri sweets, Pongal dessert, traditional Indian sweets, millet kheer, Thinai recipe, festival payasam, gluten-free Indian dessert, nutritious Indian sweets with step-by-step pictures and video recipe. Check out the Foxtail Millet payasam recipe. If you like the video, please SUBSCRIBE to my channel.

    millet payasam

    Looking for a wholesome dessert that blends tradition with nutrition? Thinai Payasam, also known as Foxtail Millet Payasam, is a South Indian delicacy that’s perfect for festivals, celebrations, or a cozy treat at home. Made with nutrient-rich millets, jaggery, and coconut milk, this payasam is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. Whether you're exploring millet-based recipes or adding variety to your sweet repertoire, Thinai Payasam is a must-try!

    healthy payasam 

    Thinai (foxtail millet) is a powerhouse of nutrition. Unlike polished rice, it’s rich in fiber, iron, and protein, making it a smart choice for health-conscious dessert lovers. Plus, it adds a subtle nutty flavor that elevates the payasam experience.

    Should I cook dal and millet in a pressure cooker?

    For faster and more efficient cooking, I prefer cooking in a pressure cooker. Stovetop cooking might take longer, and a few dals might not cook well

    Should I soak dal and millets? 

    Sautéing dal and millet makes it aromatic and helps with proper cooking. Soaking is optional

    Can I skip Saffron?

     It is optional, but saffron makes the payasam so flavorful

    Should I cook millet and dal in milk?

    I would recommend cooking in water. Using milk might not cook well

    Can I use evaporated milk for rich Payasam?

    Yes, use 1 cup of evaporated milk instead of 1 + 1/4 cup of milk. Make sure you don't boil for a long time 

    Should I filter jaggery?

    If you are doubtful about impurities in the jaggery, I would recommend filtering the jaggery water, then adding it to the payasam, else it might curdle.

    Can I use regular milk?

    Yes, you can replace regular milk with coconut milk. Regular or cow's milk; add only after boiling

    See more Payasam recipes

    Indian sweet recipes in TMF

    Milk-based recipes in TMF

    Dry fruits based recipes in TMF

    pressure  cooker recipes in TMF

    Indian sweet recipes in TMF

    Ingredients:

    For Cooking Millet & Dal:

    ¼ cup millet (thinai/foxtail millet)

    2 tablespoon moong dal

    1½ cups water

    For Tempering: 1 tablespoon ghee

    10 cashews

    1 tablespoon raisins

    For Payasam:

    1¼ cup coconut milk

    ½ cup jaggery

    ½ cup water

    A few strands

    saffron

    ¼ teaspoon cardamom powder

    How to make millet payasam with step-by-step pictures

    • ️Wash millet and moong dal well.

    • ️Heat the ghee in a pan. Add cashews and roast until golden.

    • ️Add raisins and roast for a few seconds. Set aside.

    • ️In the same pan, roast millet and moong dal on a low flame for 1 minute.

    • ️Add 1½ cups of water and bring to a boil.

    • ️Pressure cook for 4 whistles.

    • ️Add saffron and mash the mixture well.

    • ️Dissolve jaggery in ½ cup water, filter, and add to the cooked millet.

    • ️Add cardamom powder and boil for 3 minutes.

    • ️Lower the flame and stir in coconut milk. Mix well.

    • ️Finally, add the roasted cashews and raisins. Turn off the flame.

    thinai payasam

    millet payasam
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    Ingredients

    For Cooking Millet & Dal:

    • ¼ cup millet thinai/foxtail millet
    • 2 tablespoon moong dal
    • 1½ cups water

    For Tempering:

    • 1 tablespoon ghee
    • 10 cashews
    • 1 tablespoon raisins

    For Payasam:

    • 1¼ cup coconut milk
    • ½ cup jaggery
    • ½ cup water
    • A few strands
    • saffron
    • ¼ teaspoon cardamom powder

    Instructions

    • ️Wash millet and moong dal well.
    • ️Heat the ghee in a pan. Add cashews and roast until golden.
    • ️Add raisins and roast for a few seconds. Set aside.
    • ️In the same pan, roast millet and moong dal on a low flame for 1 minute.
    • ️Add 1½ cups of water and bring to a boil.
    • ️Pressure cook for 4 whistles.
    • ️Add saffron and mash the mixture well.
    • ️Dissolve jaggery in ½ cup water, filter, and add to the cooked millet.
    • ️Add cardamom powder and boil for 3 minutes.
    • ️Lower the flame and stir in coconut milk. Mix well.
    • ️Finally, add the roasted cashews and raisins. Turn off the flame.

    Video

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