We’ve meticulously created a range of Krishna Janmashtami recipes—don’t miss out on these delicious ideas!
Before we dive in, let’s explore why Aval is so special for Krishna Janmashtami!
The story of Aval (flattened rice) holds a special significance in the context of Lord Krishna and his friend Sudama.
Sudama was a poor Brahmin and a dear friend of Lord Krishna from their childhood. Despite his poverty, Sudama cherished the bond he had with Krishna and decided to visit him, carrying with him a humble offering of flattened rice as a token of his love and respect.
When Sudama arrived at Krishna’s palace, he was warmly welcomed with great honor, and Krishna, recognizing the value of the offering, relished the simple Aval with deep affection. This gesture was not just a mark of Krishna’s humility and his love for his old friend, but also highlighted the profound spiritual truth that true devotion and love are not measured by material wealth but by the sincerity of the heart.
Aval is a key player in Krishna Janmashtami celebrations—making Aval Payasam/Kheer is a tradition you can’t miss!
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Check out these steps to create a scrumptious Aval Payasam/Kheer:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup aval (flattened rice or poha)
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup grated coconut (optional)
- 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
- 10-12 cashews
- 10-12 raisins
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
- A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
Instructions:
Preparation:
- Rinse the aval in water quickly and drain it. It should be slightly soft but not mushy.
Roasting:
- Heat the ghee in a pan.
- Add the cashews and raisins. Fry until the cashews turn golden brown and the raisins puff up. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
Cooking Aval:
- In the same pan, add the rinsed and drained aval.
- Roast the aval lightly in the ghee for a few minutes until it’s aromatic.
Adding Milk:
- Pour in the milk and bring it to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer. Cook until the aval becomes soft and the milk thickens slightly (about 10-15 minutes).
Adding Sugar and Flavor:
- Add sugar to the pan and stir until it dissolves.
- Mix in the grated coconut if using.
- Add cardamom powder and saffron strands (if using). Stir well.
Final Touches:
- Add the fried cashews and raisins back into the payasam.
- Cook for a few more minutes to combine the flavors.
Serving:
- Serve the Aval Payasam warm or chilled, as you prefer.
Celebrate Krishna Janmashtami with this delightful homemade recipe and cherish the moments with loved ones!