Gasagase (Poppy Seeds) Payasa

Ingredients :

Coconut(grated) - 1 cup
Jaggery - 1 cup
Gasagase (Poppy seeds) -1/4 cup
Cardamom- 4-5
Rice- 1 tsp
Milk-(optional)- 1 cup
Cashew nuts- 1 tsp
Water - 1 cup

Proceed :

Soak the rice in water for half an hour.
Fry the poppy seeds in very little ghee.
Once they cool down, add the fried poppy seeds, soaked and drained rice, and coconut and grind to a smooth paste.
In a thick bottom vessel add water and jaggery and allow it to boil.
Add the paste to the jaggery mixture and bring to boil over medium heat and keep stirring for 10-15 mins.
As the payasa keeps boiling, it becomes more and more thick. At this stage, slowly add the milk and keep stirring.
Once you get the desired consistency for the payasa, add the cardamom powder.