Tastefully Rooted :
Creamy Makhana Kheer with Dates Powder
A delicious, creamy and naturally sweetened Indian dessert made with roasted makhana, cashews, saffron milk, and crunchy nuts.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
* 3 cups makhana (fox nuts), approximately 60 g
* 4 cups whole milk (1 litre)
* 10–12 cashews, for grinding
* 4 tbsp dried dates powder, or adjust to taste
* 10–12 saffron strands
* 2 tbsp warm milk, for soaking saffron
* 1 tbsp ghee
* 2 tbsp chopped almonds
* 2 tbsp chopped pistachios
* 2 tbsp halved cashews, for garnish
* 1/8 tsp cardamom powder (optional)
* 2 tbsp water, to coat the bottom of the cooking vessel and help prevent the milk from sticking
Method
1. Dry-roast the makhana: Heat a wok over low-medium heat and dry-roast the makhana for 5–7 minutes, stirring continuously until crisp. Allow them to cool.
2. Grind the makhana and cashews: Take approximately 1 cup of roasted makhana and grind it with the 10–12 cashews into a fine powder. Keep aside.
3. Prepare the saffron milk: Soak the saffron strands in 2 tbsp warm milk for 5–10 minutes.
4. Heat the milk: Add 2 tbsp water to a heavy-bottomed wok and swirl it around to coat the bottom. Pour in the remaining milk and bring it to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.
5. Add dates powder and saffron: Reduce the heat to low. Add the dried dates powder and saffron milk, stirring well until combined.
6. Thicken the kheer: Gradually add the ground makhana and cashew powder, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Simmer for 5–8 minutes until the kheer becomes creamy and thick. Add cardamom powder if desired.
7. Add the roasted makhana: Roughly crush the remaining roasted makhana and add it to the kheer. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes.
8. Roast the nuts: In a separate small wok, heat 1 tbsp ghee. Add the chopped almonds, pistachios, and halved cashews. Roast on low heat until lightly golden and fragrant.
9. Garnish and serve: Pour the kheer into bowls and garnish with the roasted nuts. Serve warm or chilled.
Tips for Perfect Kheer
* Stir continuously after adding the ground makhana to prevent lumps and sticking.
* The kheer thickens further as it cools. Add a littl
2026-10-17 17:58:35