Gakhir Saah
A creamy and fragrant Assamese rice pudding made with aromatic Joha rice, slow-cooked in milk with bay leaves and cardamom. This traditional dessert is a comforting sweet treat perfect for celebrations.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 45 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Rice
- b.Gently rinse the Joha rice under cool running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch.
- c.Soak the rinsed rice in enough water to cover it for 30 minutes. This helps the rice cook faster and more evenly.
- d.After 30 minutes, drain the water completely using a fine-mesh sieve and set the rice aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Simmer the Milk and Rice
- b.Pour the full-fat milk into a heavy-bottomed pan or pot. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent it from scorching.
- c.Once the milk comes to a boil, add the drained Joha rice, tej patta (bay leaves), and the lightly crushed green cardamom pods.
- d.Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently. Cook for 35-40 minutes, stirring every 5-7 minutes to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
- e.Continue simmering until the rice is completely soft and has broken down, and the milk has thickened to a creamy, porridge-like consistency.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sweeten and Finish
- b.Once the kheer has reached the desired consistency, add the sugar and the small pinch of salt.
- c.Stir continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- d.Continue to cook on low heat for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- e.Turn off the heat. You can remove the tej patta and cardamom pods before serving, if you prefer.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Prepare the Garnish (Optional)
- b.While the kheer is finishing, heat the ghee in a small pan over low heat.
- c.Add the chopped cashews and slivered almonds. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until they turn a light golden brown.
- d.Add the raisins and fry for about 30 seconds until they plump up. Be careful not to burn them.
- e.Immediately pour this tempering of ghee, nuts, and raisins over the prepared Gakhir Saah.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve
- b.Gently stir the garnish into the kheer or leave it on top for presentation.
- c.Gakhir Saah can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled. The pudding will thicken further as it cools.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Always use a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent the milk from burning and sticking to the bottom.
- 2Stirring is key! Be diligent with stirring, especially during the last 15 minutes of cooking as the kheer thickens.
- 3Full-fat milk is essential for a rich and creamy texture. Using low-fat milk will result in a thinner consistency.
- 4The kheer thickens significantly as it cools. If you plan to serve it chilled, you might want to keep it slightly thinner than your desired final consistency.
- 5For an even richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of condensed milk along with the sugar.
- 6Crushing the cardamom pods before adding them helps release their aromatic oils into the milk.
Adapt it for your goals.
Sweetener
Replace white sugar with jaggery (gur) for a more earthy, traditional flavor. Add the powdered or grated jaggery after turning off the heat to prevent the milk from curdling.
FlavorFlavor
Add a few strands of saffron soaked in 2 tablespoons of warm milk along with the sugar for a beautiful color and royal aroma.
VeganVegan
For a vegan version, use full-fat coconut milk or a mix of almond and cashew milk instead of dairy milk, and use coconut oil instead of ghee for the garnish. The cooking time might need slight adjustment.
GarnishGarnish
Experiment with other nuts like pistachios or add edible dried rose petals for a floral note and beautiful presentation.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Calcium
The primary ingredient, milk, is an excellent source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth, as well as proper muscle and nerve function.
Provides Quick Energy
The combination of rice and sugar provides a significant amount of carbohydrates, which are the body's primary source of energy, making this a satisfying dessert after a meal.
Comforting and Stress-Relieving
Warm, sweet, and creamy foods like Gakhir Saah are often considered comfort foods. The act of eating this traditional dessert can evoke feelings of nostalgia and well-being, helping to reduce stress.
Frequently asked questions
Joha rice is a small-grain, aromatic rice from Assam, India, known for its delicate fragrance and flavor, which is key to authentic Gakhir Saah. If you can't find it, the best substitutes are Gobindobhog rice from Bengal or short-grain Basmati rice.