Gova Kana Paaysu (Broken Wheat Paayasam)

Gova Kana Paaysu is a very popular paayasam/pudding in South India. In Konkani Govu means wheat (and we call gova kana for broken wheat). It is a healthy and easy dessert. It is commonly made for special occasions, festivals etc. 
This dessert is a 'No ghee dessert' (so no saturated fats) and hence you feel less guilty even if you gulp down more paayasam:-) Not only that you also get iron from jaggery. So what more reasons do you need to try this traditional paayasam..Make it today and enjoy!

Ingredients:

• Broken Wheat- 2/3 cup
• Powdered Jaggery- 1/4- 1/3 cup (adjust accordingly)
• Coconut milk, thick- 3/4 cup (I used canned)
• Cardamom powder- 1/2 tsp
• Dry fruits, any- For garnishing (optional)

Procedure:

Wash the broken/cracked wheat. Transfer it to a dish and add water (level of the water should be well above the cracked wheat, nearly 1-1.5 inches above). Close it with a lid and allow it to cook on a medium flame. Check occasionally to see whether it requires water. After 10-12 minutes the pieces of wheat will double in their size. The cooked wheat now looks like a sticky mixture (Add water, if it becomes very thick). 
Now add jaggery and mix well (Keep stirring continuously). When the jaggery melts completely, add coconut milk. Mix well (consistency of the paayasam/pudding should be medium thick). 
When it comes to a boil, turn off the heat. Add cardamom powder and mix well. Garnish it with dry fruits, if preferred. Gova Paaysu is ready!!

Serve it hot or cold. Above measurement serves three people.

Note: #If you want to make Coconut milk at home, then grind grated coconut along with water to get a fine paste. Then strain it to extract the milk from it.
#You can also try substituting regular milk for coconut milk.