Dry Fruit Kheer is a creamy Indian dessert made with basmati rice, milk, and a variety of dry fruits like almonds, cashews, and raisins. The rice is first roasted and cooked in milk until soft, then sweetened with sugar and flavored with cardamom and saffron. Roasted dry fruits are added for a rich, nutty taste, while dates and figs enhance its sweetness and texture. The kheer is simmered until thick and creamy, then garnished with more dry fruits and saffron. This delicious dessert can be served warm or chilled, perfect for festive occasions like Diwali.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup basmati rice (soaked for 30 minutes)
- 1 liter full-fat milk
- 1/4 cup sugar (adjust according to taste)
- 10-12 almonds (blanched and sliced)
- 10-12 cashews (chopped)
- 8-10 pistachios (chopped)
- 8-10 raisins
- 4-5 dates (finely chopped)
- 4-5 figs (finely chopped)
- 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
- 8-10 strands of saffron (soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk)
- 2 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Rice:
- Rinse the soaked basmati rice thoroughly and drain the water.
- In a heavy-bottomed pan, add 1 tablespoon of ghee and lightly roast the drained rice for 3-4 minutes on medium heat, until the rice turns slightly golden. Set aside.
2. Boil the Milk:
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pan or kadhai, pour the milk and bring it to a boil over medium heat.
- Once it comes to a boil, reduce the heat and let the milk simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom. Keep simmering until the milk reduces slightly and becomes thicker.
3. Cook the Rice in Milk:
- After the milk has thickened slightly, add the roasted rice to the simmering milk.
- Cook the rice in the milk over low heat, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. It will take about 15-20 minutes for the rice to cook completely. Make sure the rice becomes soft and absorbs the creamy milk.
4. Prepare the Dry Fruits:
- While the rice is cooking, take another small pan and heat 1 tablespoon of ghee.
- Add the chopped almonds, cashews, and pistachios to the pan and roast them on low heat until they are golden and aromatic. Set them aside.
- In the same pan, add the raisins and roast for 1-2 minutes until they puff up. Remove and keep them aside.
- If using dates and figs, chop them finely and set them aside for later.
5. Sweeten the Kheer:
- Once the rice is cooked and the kheer has thickened, add the sugar to the kheer.
- Stir well and cook for 5 more minutes until the sugar dissolves completely and the kheer has a rich, creamy texture.
6. Add the Dry Fruits:
- After the sugar has dissolved, add the roasted almonds, cashews, pistachios, and puffed-up raisins to the kheer.
- Add the chopped dates and figs to enhance the richness of the kheer.
- Stir in the cardamom powder for flavor and mix well.
7. Infuse with Saffron:
- Add the saffron-infused milk (soaked saffron strands) to the kheer and mix gently.
- The saffron will give the kheer a beautiful golden hue and a fragrant aroma.
8. Simmer and Thicken:
- Let the kheer simmer for another 5-10 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally.
- The kheer will thicken as it simmers. You can adjust the consistency by adding a little warm milk if it becomes too thick.
9. Garnish and Serve:
- Once the kheer reaches the desired consistency, turn off the heat and let it cool slightly.
- Garnish with a few additional chopped almonds, pistachios, and saffron strands for a beautiful presentation.
- Serve the Dry Fruit Kheer warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
Tips:
- Rice: Use basmati rice for its fragrance, but you can substitute it with other varieties.
- Sweetness: Adjust the sugar according to your taste or use alternatives like jaggery or condensed milk for a richer flavor.
- Dry Fruits: You can add more or less dry fruits based on availability and preference. Ensure they are fresh.
- Milk: Full-fat milk gives the kheer a rich, creamy texture. You can also use evaporated milk for a thicker consistency.
- Flavoring: For added aroma, you can sprinkle a few drops of rose water or kewra water just before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- Festive Serving: Serve Dry Fruit Kheer as part of a festive meal for Diwali or any special occasion.
- With Snacks: Pair it with Indian snacks like samosas or pakoras for a complete meal.
- Chilled Version: Refrigerate the kheer for a few hours and serve it cold, which is a delightful treat in hot weather.
Enjoy this delicious Dry Fruit Kheer and add a touch of sweetness to your festive celebrations.