Makhane Ki Kheer

wellhealthorganic.com Makhane Ki Kheer: Makhana Kheer, a delectable dessert pudding crafted from foxnuts (Makhana), milk, ghee, sugar, and an assortment of dry fruits, stands as a cherished delicacy, especially during Hindu fasting rituals.

Makhane Ki Kheer

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Cuisine: North Indian

Course: Desserts

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup foxnuts (Makhana)
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 3-4 green cardamom pods, husked and powdered
  • 10-12 cashews or almonds, blanched and sliced
  • 1 tablespoon golden raisins
  • 3.5 to 4 tablespoons sugar, or as per taste
  • A pinch of saffron
  • 2 to 3 teaspoons ghee (clarified butter)

Also Read: Garam Masala

Instructions:

Roasting Makhana and Cashews:

  1. Heat ghee in a pan.
  2. Add foxnuts and cashews.
  3. Roast them on low heat until the foxnuts turn crunchy and cashews acquire a golden hue. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
  4. Transfer them to a plate and set aside. Keep cashews separate as we will powder the roasted foxnuts.

Preparing Makhane ki Kheer:

  1. Heat whole milk in a saucepan over medium-low to medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
  2. Allow the milk to come to a boil.
  3. While the milk is heating, reserve ⅓ cup of roasted foxnuts and grind the remaining in a blender along with cardamom seeds from 4 pods and a pinch of saffron strands.
  4. Once the milk boils, add sugar and the ground foxnut powder.
  5. Also, add the reserved ⅓ cup of foxnuts. Mix well.
  6. Simmer until the foxnuts soften and the milk thickens slightly, approximately 9 to 10 minutes on low to medium heat.
  7. Scrape the evaporated milk solids from the sides of the pan and add them to the milk.
  8. Finally, add the golden cashews and raisins. If using almonds, add them at this stage.
  9. Stir and simmer the kheer for another minute.

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Serving:

  • Serve Makhane ki Kheer hot, warm, or cold. Leftovers can be refrigerated, where the kheer’s consistency will thicken slightly.

Notes:

  • Ensure using fresh foxnuts to avoid any rancidity.
  • Customize with your preferred nuts and dry fruits like cashews, almonds, pistachios, raisins, and pine nuts. If adding raisins, incorporate them once the kheer is cooked.
  • Saffron can be omitted, and the kheer can be made solely with green cardamom.
  • Enhance the flavor by adding rose water to the kheer.
  • Adjust the consistency to your liking.
  • Scale up the recipe to make a larger batch for special occasions or rituals.