Mango Payasam (Pudding)

          Payasam or kheer is a sweet recipe prepared with rice, vermicelli, sago, nuts, fruits or vegetables, or a combination of the above along with milk. It's usually sweetened with sugar or jaggery and sometimes coconut milk is used instead of regular milk. I have mentioned it as a pudding, just to give an idea about the dish to my Non-Indian friends, but it is a totally different taste. Any Indian festival, marriage or function, there is always a kheer in the menu. Today being the Tamil New Year Day and mangoes in season, thought I'll share this simple but tasty recipe..

Sabudana Khichdi

          Sabudana or Javarisi (Tamil) are those white, pearl like balls, also known as tapioca pearls made from the starch extracted from the pith of sago palm stems. Until before marriage, I have had this only in payasam or kheer, had never even heard of this khichdi. I came to know about this from a Marathi friend's mother, who used to have this on those days, that she fasted, even then I didn't fancy this much. Only later, when I made the vadas with this, I liked it so much that I tried the khichdi again, and this time, I loved it. This is such an easy breakfast, if only, you remember to soak it the previous night, it tastes awesome with the potatoes and the roasted peanuts..