Today is the fifth day of Navrathri.

The Divine Mother is worshipped as Skandamata. Lord Karthikeya is known as Skanda. Mata means mother.

Skandamata is depicted as riding a lion with little Skanda on her lap which signifies courage and compassion. Skanda is also someone who is very skilled.

When we pray to Skandamata, we are bestowed with skill without arrogance, courage and compassion:)

Today, I made Pumpkin payasam ( kheer) as prasad( prasadam). It’s very easy to make, healthy and a delicious payasam:)

Ingredients

Chopped yellow pumpkin- 1 cup
Full cream milk – 1/2 lit
Sugar – 1/4th cup
Saffron ( kesar) – 2 pinches
Cardamom powder – 1/4th tsp
Ghee – 1 tbsp
Almond flakes – 1 tbsp

Method

Cook the pumpkin in milk till it becomes very soft.
Add sugar and blend everything together to a smooth purée.

Add saffron and simmer on a medium flame for 10-12 mins or till it becomes little thick. Add the cardamom powder and mix well.

Heat ghee. Add the almond flakes and sauté till it becomes golden.

Garnish the payasam with roasted almonds and serve it warm or chilled 🙂