Rice should be nicely cooked otherwise it will not be appreciable.
You can use sugar alone(I have used milkmaid too)to sweeten the payasam both ways it will be tasty.
No ghee or roasted nuts are needed for this payasam that's the specialty.
Even adding cardamom powder is purely optional.
If using sugar alone then you can add thick coconut extract at last.
Sweetness can be adjusted according to taste preferences.