Badam Kheer
Badam Kheer, also known as Almond Kheer or Badam Payasam, is a creamy and delicious Indian dessert made with almonds, milk, sugar, and flavored with cardamom. It's a popular sweet dish often served during festivals and special occasions.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup almonds (badam), soaked overnight or for at least 4-6 hours
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
- Saffron strands (optional)
- Chopped nuts for garnish (such as pistachios, almonds, cashews)
Instructions:
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Prepare Almonds:
- Drain the soaked almonds and peel off the skin. You can easily peel them by gently pressing between your fingers.
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Grind Almonds:
- In a blender or food processor, grind the peeled almonds into a smooth paste using a little milk. Add milk gradually as needed to facilitate grinding. Set aside.
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Boil Milk:
- In a heavy-bottomed pan or pot, bring the whole milk to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
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Add Almond Paste:
- Once the milk comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low. Add the ground almond paste to the simmering milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
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Cook Kheer:
- Cook the kheer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and reduces to about half of its original volume. This may take about 20-25 minutes.
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Add Sugar and Flavorings:
- Add sugar and cardamom powder to the kheer and mix well until the sugar dissolves completely. You can also add saffron strands for added flavor and color if desired.
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Garnish:
- Garnish the Badam Kheer with chopped nuts like pistachios, almonds, or cashews. You can also add a few saffron strands on top for an elegant touch.
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Serve:
- Serve the Badam Kheer warm or chilled as a delightful dessert after meals or during festive occasions.
Enjoy the creamy and flavorful Badam Kheer as a comforting and indulgent treat! Adjust the sweetness and flavorings according to your taste preference.