Recipe of Badam Kheer

Kheer is a sweet and creamy Indian dessert made from milk as base ingredients with a slight touch of ghee and badam (almonds), saffron and cardamom powder for extra flavor. The use of saffron in this badam kheer recipe not only gives it a rich creamy color, but it also adds an aromatic flavor. This quick dessert is also high-energy sweet dish suitable for kids due its generous use of Dry fruit.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Almonds
• 1 tablespoon Ghee, optional
• 1½ cups Full Fat or Low Fat Milk
• 2½ tablespoons Sugar (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon Cardamom Powder (Elaichi)
• 4-5 Saffron strands (kesar)
• Water

How to Blanch Almonds:

1. Place almonds in a bowl and pour 1 cup boiling water over it.
2. Let them sit for around 5-6 minutes, transfer to a colander or strainer and drain off water. Wash them with 1-cup normal cold water.
3. Now, you can easily peel them. If the skin does not come out easily, again repeat the process.
4. Blanched almonds are ready.

 Directions:

1. Grind blanched almonds with 1/4 cup water and make a smooth paste.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon ghee in a non-stick pan and add almonds paste.
3. Cook it over low flame while stirring constantly until light brown, approx 5-7 minutes.
4. Add milk, mix well and bring it to boil over high flame.
5. When it starts boiling, reduce flame to medium and add sugar, saffron strands and cardamom powder.
6. Cook for 4-5 minutes while stirring continuously. Remove pan from flame and let it cool at room temperature.