Cherry Payasam – South Indian Cherry Kheer
Authentic South Indian Food Creator · Home Chef
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Cherry Payasam is a delightfully modern yet traditionally rooted South Indian dessert that brings together the beloved kheer-making tradition of Tamil cuisine with the vibrant sweetness of fresh cherries. Payasam holds a sacred and celebratory place in Tamil cooking, served at temples, weddings, and family feasts for generations. By blending the rich creaminess of milk with the naturally tart and sweet flavor of cherries, this recipe creates a beautiful fusion dessert that honors the soul of Tamil culinary heritage while embracing fresh seasonal produce.
Tamil families absolutely adore payasam in all its forms — from the classic semiya payasam made during Pongal to the rich aval payasam offered during Karthigai Deepam. Cherry Payasam has become a favorite in modern Tamil households, especially during summer months when cherries are abundantly available. Mothers love preparing this for their children as an after-school treat, and it makes a stunning finale to weekend family lunches. Its gorgeous ruby-pink color makes it especially popular during festive occasions, birthday celebrations, and even as a prasadam offering in home poojas.
What makes this Cherry Payasam truly special is how effortlessly it comes together with just a handful of ingredients. The key to the best results is using ripe, dark red cherries that are naturally sweet — they melt beautifully into the warm milk and release a stunning color. Always simmer the milk patiently on low flame until it thickens slightly before adding the cherry puree. A small pinch of cardamom elevates the entire dish and ties it beautifully to traditional Tamil payasam flavors. Garnish generously with cashews and saffron for a festive finish.
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Ingredients(10 items)
Instructions
💡 Tap a step to mark it doneWash the cherries thoroughly under running water. Remove the stems and pits carefully. Set aside about 8 to 10 cherry halves for garnishing. Take the remaining cherries and blend them into a smooth puree using a mixer or blender. Strain the puree through a fine mesh strainer to remove any skin bits and keep the puree silky smooth. Set aside.
Pour the full fat milk into a wide heavy-bottomed pan or uruli if you have one. Place it on medium flame and bring the milk to a boil, stirring frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom. Once it comes to a full boil, lower the flame and let it simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes until the milk reduces slightly and thickens a little.
Add the saffron strands directly into the simmering milk and stir well. The saffron will release its golden color and beautiful aroma into the milk within a couple of minutes. Add the condensed milk at this stage and stir to combine. This adds extra creaminess and a gentle sweetness to your payasam base.
Add the sugar to the simmering milk and stir until it dissolves completely. Taste the milk at this point and adjust sweetness according to your preference. Keep in mind that the cherry puree will add its own natural sweetness and slight tartness, so do not over-sweeten at this stage.
Mix the cornflour in 2 tablespoons of cold milk until smooth with no lumps. Pour this slurry slowly into the simmering payasam while stirring continuously. This gives the payasam a slightly thicker, luscious body without making it too heavy. Stir well and let it cook for 2 more minutes on low flame.
Now remove the pan from the flame and allow the milk mixture to cool down to warm temperature — not piping hot. This step is very important because adding cherry puree to boiling hot milk can cause the milk to curdle due to the natural acidity of cherries. Wait until the milk is just warm to touch before proceeding.
Once the milk has cooled to warm temperature, add the strained cherry puree slowly while stirring gently. You will see the payasam transform into a gorgeous pink-red color instantly. Add the cardamom powder and rose water at this stage and fold everything together gently. The aroma at this point will be absolutely wonderful.
In a small tadka pan, heat the ghee on low flame. Add the cashews and fry them gently until they turn golden brown, stirring continuously so they do not burn. Remove from heat immediately. Pour the golden cashews along with the fragrant ghee directly into the cherry payasam and stir to combine.
Taste the payasam once more and adjust sugar or cardamom if needed. Gently stir in the reserved fresh cherry halves for a beautiful garnish and a fresh fruity burst in every bowl. Your Cherry Payasam is now ready to serve. You can serve it warm for a comforting winter treat or chilled from the refrigerator for a refreshing summer dessert.
Tips and Tricks
- Always let the milk cool down to warm temperature before adding the cherry puree. Adding fruit puree to boiling milk can cause it to curdle — patience here gives you a smooth, creamy payasam every time.
- For the best color and sweetness, use dark red ripe Bing cherries or sweet black cherries. Avoid sour cherries as they will make the payasam too tangy and can overpower the milk.
- Cherry Payasam thickens as it cools, especially when refrigerated. If serving chilled, add a splash of cold milk before serving and stir well to loosen it to the perfect pouring consistency.
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