Desserts play a significant role in Indian celebrations, and while fasting limits ingredient choices, this kheer ensures you don’t have to compromise on flavor. Trust me, you’ll be sending me a virtual hi-five after trying this delicious Makhana Paneer Kheer!
Why to make it?
Fasting-Friendly: Makhana Kheer is made with ingredients that are allowed during fasting, making it a perfect treat for Navratri celebrations. Nourishing: It provides essential nutrients and energy to help sustain you during fasting periods. Delicious Indulgence: This dessert satisfies sweet cravings while adhering to dietary restrictions. Versatile Recipe: It can be enjoyed on various occasions, from festivals to family gatherings. Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and quick preparation, Makhana Kheer is accessible for anyone looking to whip up a delicious dessert.
Ingredients
Phool Makhana (Fox Nuts): Roasted and popped lotus seeds that add a unique texture and nutritional benefits. Paneer: Will add richness and texture to the kheer Ghee: Used for roasting phool makhana, adding flavor and richness. Milk: Full-fat milk enhances the creaminess of the kheer. Sugar: Regular sugar can be used; for a healthier option, substitute with stevia for diabetics. Flavors: Green cardamom and saffron (kesar) provide aromatic depth and a rich color. Nuts, Seeds & Dry Fruits: Almonds, pistachios, raisins, and pumpkin seeds add crunch and nutritional value.
I have taken care to include ingredients that are permitted during navratri. But make sure to consult your family because different people have different customs and permitted ingredients.
How to make it?
Add ghee to a pan and roast your makhanas, till they become crunchy. Crush the makhanas and set them aside. Now add about a liter of milk and bring it to a rolling boil, keep stirring the milk to prevent from burning. Now add crushed makhana to the boiling milk and cook it for 4-5 minutes until the milk starts to thicken.
When the milk starts to thicken then it is time to add grated paneer in it. After adding the grated paneer in the kheer cook them for 10-12 minutes on slow heat. Keep stirring and scraping the sides of the pan continuously. In between the cooking process add sugar for sweetness, you can replace with raisins if you like. Now, add 2 tablespoons of chopped almonds, 4-5 crushed green cardamom, chopped Pistachio, Pumpkin seeds and few strands of saffron. (It’s preferable if you add Iranian saffron as it gives a great flavor to the kheer) Chill the kheer in the refrigerator and when you are about to eat, garnish with more nuts and serve.
Substitution:
Phool Makhana: If unavailable, use puffed rice or quinoa for a different texture, though the flavor will vary. Ghee: Use coconut oil or unsalted butter as alternatives for roasting. Milk: Swap full-fat milk with almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Sugar: Substitute regular sugar with jaggery, honey, or other natural sweeteners like agave syrup for a healthier option. Flavors: Replace green cardamom with cinnamon or nutmeg for a different aromatic profile.
Variations:
Chocolate Makhana Kheer: Add cocoa powder or chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist. Fruit-Infused Kheer: Incorporate pureed fruits like mango or banana for added sweetness and flavor. Nutty Makhana Kheer: Add a variety of nuts like cashews or walnuts for extra crunch and nutrition. Vegan Makhana Kheer: Use plant-based yogurt and milk, omitting paneer and replacing ghee with coconut oil.
Recipe Notes & Tips
You can skip nuts if you have allergies but chopped almonds, pistachio makes it super delicious and quite filling. Using good quality Iranian Saffron makes a lot of difference in flavour and aroma. I love how just a few strands of saffron gives a distinctive flavour to the dessert. I think that is totally amazing! oh yes. You can roast makhana in ghee and store them in airtight container beforehand so that when you want to make it quickly it becomes easier to cook it in a few minutes.
More Such recipes to Try
Kesar Badam Shrikhand Matar Ki MalaiDar Kheer, Raspberry and rasgulla Kheer Cups, Paneer Ki Kheer with Baby Rasgulla, Apple Ki Kheer With Thandai spice Carrot Kheer Falahari Dishes to Cook for Navratri Fasting
Video Recipe of Makhana Kheer Recipe in Hindi
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