Cardamom Oats Kheer
A warm, comforting breakfast porridge made with oats, milk, and sweetened naturally with dates. Spiced with cardamom and cinnamon, and topped with crunchy almonds, it's a wholesome start to the day.
For 2 servings
Toast the oats and nuts
- Heat ghee in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the slivered almonds and toast for about 30 seconds until lightly golden.
- Add the rolled oats and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until they smell fragrant and nutty.
TIPDon't let the oats or almonds burn. Constant stirring is key for even toasting.Cook the kheer
- Pour the milk and water into the saucepan with the toasted oats.
- Add the chopped dates and stir everything together.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Simmer until creamy
Once it boils, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently until the oats are soft and the kheer has thickened to your desired consistency.
TIPThe kheer will continue to thicken as it cools, so take it off the heat when it's slightly thinner than you'd like.Add the aromatic spices
Turn off the heat. Stir in the green cardamom powder and cinnamon powder until well combined.
Serve the kheer warm
Ladle the kheer into two bowls. You can garnish with a few more slivered almonds or a sprinkle of cinnamon if you like.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a creamier texture, use rolled oats instead of instant or steel-cut oats.
- 2Toasting the oats in ghee is a crucial step that adds a wonderful nutty depth of flavor.
- 3If the kheer becomes too thick, simply stir in a splash of warm milk until it reaches your preferred consistency.
- 4For a smoother kheer, you can blend the dates with a little milk to form a paste before adding them to the pot.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it's a very healthy breakfast option. It's rich in complex carbohydrates and fiber from oats for sustained energy, and it's naturally sweetened with dates, avoiding refined sugars. The milk and almonds add protein and healthy fats.
