Makhane ki Kheer
A creamy, delightful Indian pudding made with roasted fox nuts (makhana) simmered in sweetened milk. Flavored with cardamom and saffron, this gluten-free dessert is perfect for festivals or as a comforting sweet treat.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Flavorings and Garnish
- b.In a small bowl, combine the saffron strands with 1 tablespoon of warm milk. Set aside to infuse for at least 10 minutes.
- c.Sliver the almonds and chop the pistachios if you haven't already. Keep them ready for garnish.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Roast the Fox Nuts (Makhana)
- b.Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over low-medium heat.
- c.Add the fox nuts and roast them, stirring continuously for 5-7 minutes until they become crisp and light golden.
- d.To check if they are done, take one makhana and press it between your fingers; it should crush easily with a crunch.
- e.Remove the roasted makhana from the pan and let them cool completely.
- f.Once cooled, transfer about 3/4 of the makhana to a grinder and pulse a few times to make a coarse powder. Keep the remaining 1/4 whole for texture.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Simmer and Thicken the Milk
- b.Pour the full-fat milk into the same heavy-bottomed pan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- c.Once the milk comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes. Stir every few minutes to prevent it from sticking to the bottom and to scrape the cream from the sides back into the milk. This process will help thicken the milk.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Kheer
- b.Add the coarsely ground makhana powder and the whole roasted makhana to the simmering milk.
- c.Mix well to ensure there are no lumps. Continue to cook on low heat for another 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently.
- d.The makhana will absorb the milk and soften, and the kheer will thicken to a creamy, pudding-like consistency.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Add Sweetener and Aromatics
- b.Add the sugar, cardamom powder, and the saffron-infused milk to the kheer. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- c.Add half of the slivered almonds and pistachios, reserving the rest for garnish. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Turn off the heat. The kheer will continue to thicken as it cools.
- c.Transfer the kheer to serving bowls. Garnish with the remaining slivered almonds and pistachios.
- d.Serve warm or chilled. To serve chilled, let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 2 hours.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Always use full-fat milk for a rich and creamy kheer. Low-fat milk will result in a thinner consistency.
- 2Roasting the makhana properly is key. They must be crunchy before you grind them, otherwise, they will become chewy in the kheer.
- 3Stir the milk continuously while it simmers to prevent it from scorching at the bottom of the pan.
- 4If the kheer becomes too thick upon cooling, you can adjust the consistency by adding a splash of warm milk before serving.
- 5For a richer flavor, you can add 2 tablespoons of condensed milk and reduce the sugar accordingly.
Adapt it for your goals.
Sweetener
Use jaggery powder (gur) or date paste instead of sugar for a more earthy flavor. Add jaggery after turning off the heat to prevent the milk from curdling.
FlavoringFlavoring
Add a few drops of rose water or kewra water at the end for a fragrant, floral aroma.
TextureTexture
For a richer, more rabri-like consistency, add 2 tablespoons of milk powder or khoya (milk solids) along with the sugar.
Vegan VersionVegan Version
Substitute dairy milk with full-fat almond, cashew, or oat milk. Use coconut oil or a neutral vegetable oil in place of ghee.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Nutrients
Fox nuts are a powerhouse of nutrients like protein, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus, making this dessert surprisingly wholesome.
Excellent for Bone Health
The combination of calcium-rich milk and phosphorus from makhana contributes to maintaining strong and healthy bones and teeth.
Naturally Gluten-Free
This kheer is inherently gluten-free, making it a safe and delicious sweet treat for individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Aids Digestion
Makhana contains a good amount of dietary fiber, which helps in promoting healthy digestion and maintaining bowel regularity.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, in moderation, it can be a healthy dessert. Fox nuts (makhana) are low in calories and fat, gluten-free, and rich in protein and essential minerals. To make it healthier, you can reduce the amount of sugar or use a natural sweetener like jaggery or date paste.