Silky Apple Payasam

Ingredients

• Apple - 1 whole
• Sugar - 3 tbsp
• Water - 1/2 cup
• Milk - 1/2 cup
• Cardamom powder - 1/2 tsp
• Saffron strands - 2 whole
• Almonds - 2 whole

Instructions

1. 1Peel the apple and grate it finely so it cooks evenly and melts into a soft, spoonable texture.
2. 2Place the grated apple, sugar, and water in a small pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until the apple is fully softened and the mixture is syrupy; this concentrates the flavor and sweetens the fruit naturally.
3. 3In a separate pan, bring the milk to a gentle boil and reduce it to half its volume, then remove from the heat and let it cool so it will not curdle when combined with the apple.
4. 4Stir the cooled reduced milk into the cooked apple mixture until fully combined and smooth; mixing after the milk has cooled prevents curdling and keeps the payasam silky.
5. 5Add the cardamom powder and fold it in to perfume the kheer with warm spice notes.
6. 6Chop the almonds and sprinkle them on top along with the saffron strands for color and a hint of floral aroma.
7. 7Serve the payasam warm or chilled, according to your preference; optionally garnish with a few extra chopped almonds or a pinch more saffron for a pretty finish.