Badam Kheer

Are you craving something sweet and creamy? Look no further, as we have the perfect recipe for you - Badam Kheer. This delightful dessert is a creamy concoction of ground almonds, milk, and a blend of aromatic spices. The result is a rich and indulgent treat that will tantalize your taste buds. Follow along as we show you how to make this unique and delicious Badam Kheer at home.

What Is Badam Kheer?

• Badam kheer is a traditional Indian dessert made with almonds, milk, sugar, and flavored with cardamom and saffron. This creamy and indulgent dessert is a delightful combination of succulent almonds and aromatic spices, creating a unique and flavorful dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The rich, nutty flavor of the almonds, combined with the sweetness of the sugar and the warmth of the spices, makes badam kheer a popular and beloved dessert in Indian cuisine.

Why You'll Love Badam Kheer?

• Creamy and Smooth Texture: Badam kheer has a creamy and smooth texture that makes it a delightful and indulgent dessert. The finely powdered almonds add a rich and luxurious mouthfeel to the kheer, making it a perfect treat for special occasions.
• Healthy Nutrients: Almonds are a powerhouse of nutrients, packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber. When combined with full-fat milk, badam kheer becomes a nutritious dessert option that can provide essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin E, and antioxidants.
• Saffron for a Luxurious Touch: The addition of saffron not only gives badam kheer a beautiful golden color but also imparts a subtle floral aroma and a hint of earthy flavor. Saffron is known for its potential health benefits, including its antioxidant properties and ability to promote overall well-being.
• Cardamom for Digestive Health: The use of cardamom powder in badam kheer not only adds a warm and aromatic flavor but also offers digestive benefits. Cardamom is known to aid digestion, alleviate stomach issues, and freshen breath, making it a valuable addition to this dessert.
• Indulgent Yet Nutritious: Unlike many other desserts, badam kheer strikes a perfect balance between indulgence and nutrition. It satisfies your sweet cravings while providing essential nutrients, making it a guilt-free dessert option for those who want to enjoy a treat without compromising on health.
• A Refreshing Chilled Dessert: Badam kheer is best served chilled, making it a refreshing and cooling dessert option, especially during hot weather. The creamy and nutty flavor, along with the chill from refrigeration, makes it a satisfying and soothing dessert to enjoy after a meal.

Ingredients for Badam Kheer

• Almonds: Almonds are the star ingredient of the badam kheer, providing a rich, nutty flavor and a creamy texture to the dessert.
• Full Fat Milk: The full fat milk acts as the base of the kheer, giving it a creamy and rich consistency, and enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
• Ghee: Ghee is used to sauté the almond paste, adding a rich and nutty flavor to the kheer.
• Sugar: Sugar adds sweetness to the kheer, balancing out the nutty and creamy flavors.
• Cardamom Powder: Cardamom powder adds a delicate aroma and flavor to the kheer, complementing the nuttiness of the almonds.
• Saffron: Saffron not only adds a beautiful golden color to the kheer, but also imparts a subtle floral aroma and flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dessert.

How To Make Badam Kheer?

• Soak the almonds in hot water for 5 minutes, then drain and wash them with cold water to easily peel the skin.
• Once the skin is removed, place the almonds in a blender and blend until powdered. Add 1/4 cup of water and blend until a smooth paste is formed.
• Next, heat a non-stick pan with ghee over low heat, then add the almond paste and stir well for 2 minutes.
• Add milk and boil over medium heat. Once it starts to boil, reduce the heat and continue to boil until the milk reduces slightly.
• Then, add sugar, saffron, and cardamom powder, and mix well. Stir continuously to prevent the milk from burning and cook for another 5 minutes.
• Once the mixture thickens, remove it from the heat and let it cool down.
• After reaching room temperature, chill it in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours. Now, the delicious and flavorful Badam Kheer is ready to be served.

The key steps in this recipe are peeling the almonds to create a smooth paste and continuously stirring while boiling the milk to prevent burning. These steps are crucial in ensuring a rich and aromatic experience when enjoying the Badam Kheer.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Traditional Indian Desserts: Badam kheer is a classic Indian dessert and can be paired with other traditional Indian sweets like gulab jamun or jalebi for a complete meal experience.
• Serve with Fresh Fruits: To add a refreshing touch to your dessert, consider serving badam kheer with a side of fresh fruits such as sliced mangoes or berries.
• Accompany with Savory Snacks: For a balanced flavor profile, you can serve badam kheer with savory snacks like samosas or pakoras to create a satisfying meal combination.
• Garnish with Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped pistachios or cashews on top of your badam kheer to enhance the texture and add extra nutty flavor to the dish.
• Enjoy with Warm Rotis: Pairing badam kheer with warm, homemade rotis can create a delightful contrast of flavors and textures, making it a wholesome meal option.
• Indulge in a Cup of Chai: Finish off your badam kheer with a soothing cup of chai to complement the richness of the dessert and balance out the sweetness.

Tips for Making Badam Kheer

• Peeling Almonds: To easily peel the almonds, soak them in hot water for 5 minutes and then wash them with cold water. This will help the skin to come off easily.
• Blending Almonds: After removing the skin, blend the almonds in a blender until powdered. Then, add 1/4 cup of water and blend until a smooth paste is formed.
• Cooking Technique: When heating the non-stick pan with ghee, make sure to do so over low heat. Stir the almond paste well for 2 minutes before adding the milk and boiling it over medium heat.
• Preventing Burnt Milk: While boiling the milk, be sure to reduce the heat once it begins to boil. Stir continuously to prevent the milk from getting burnt.
• Serving Suggestions: For an elegant presentation, consider garnishing the Badam Kheer with a few strands of saffron or some crushed almond pieces before serving.
• Chilling Time: After cooking, let the Badam Kheer cool to room temperature, then refrigerate it for a minimum of 2 hours before serving to enjoy it chilled.

Following these tips will help you create a delicious and well-presented Badam Kheer that is sure to impress your family and friends.

Variations for Badam Kheer

• Different nuts: Instead of using just almonds, you can experiment with other nuts like cashews, pistachios, or a combination of different nuts to give the kheer a unique flavor and texture.
• Vegan version: For a dairy-free version, you can use coconut milk or almond milk instead of regular milk. This will give the kheer a different taste and make it suitable for those following a vegan diet.
• Sweeteners: You can try using different sweeteners such as jaggery, honey, or agave syrup instead of sugar to give the kheer a different sweetness profile and depth of flavor.
• Spices: Experiment with adding different spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a pinch of black pepper to enhance the flavor and aroma of the badam kheer.
• Fruit additions: Add chopped fruits like mango, pineapple, or even dried fruits like dates or raisins to add a fruity and chewy element to the kheer, making it more interesting and delicious.
• Flavor infusions: You can infuse the kheer with different flavors like rose water, saffron, or even a hint of vanilla for a unique and aromatic twist to the traditional badam kheer.

Expand your cooking horizons and try out these variations to make your badam kheer even more exciting and innovative!

How to Store Badam Kheer

• Refrigerate for Freshness: After preparing the badam kheer, it's important to let it cool down to room temperature and then refrigerate it for at least 2 hours. This will help maintain its freshness and flavor.
• Use Airtight Containers: Store the badam kheer in airtight containers to prevent any odors from the fridge affecting its taste. This will also help in keeping it fresh for a longer period.
• Consume Within 2-3 Days: It's best to consume the badam kheer within 2-3 days of making it. This will ensure that it's at its best quality and taste.
• Store Almonds and Saffron Properly: Make sure to store the almonds and saffron in airtight containers in a cool, dark place. This will help maintain their flavor and quality, which are key ingredients for badam kheer.
• Refrigerate Full Fat Milk: If you have leftover full fat milk, it's important to refrigerate it immediately to maintain its freshness. Use it within a few days to ensure its quality for the badam kheer.
• Avoid Freezing: It's not recommended to freeze badam kheer as it may alter the texture and consistency of the kheer. It's best to consume it within a few days for the best taste.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use almond flour instead of blending almonds?

• Yes, you can use almond flour as a substitute for blending almonds. However, the texture of the kheer may be slightly different compared to using freshly blended almonds.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the Badam Kheer?

• You can adjust the sweetness of the kheer by adding more or less sugar according to your personal preference. Taste the kheer as you add the sugar to achieve the desired level of sweetness.

Can I use low-fat milk instead of full-fat milk?

• While full-fat milk is recommended for a creamier texture, you can use low-fat milk as a substitute. Just keep in mind that the kheer may not be as rich and creamy as it would be with full-fat milk.

How long does it take for the Badam Kheer to cool?

• After removing it from the heat, allow the kheer to cool to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator. The kheer should be chilled for a minimum of 2 hours before serving.

Can I add other nuts to the kheer?

• Yes, you can customize the kheer by adding other nuts such as cashews or pistachios. Simply follow the same process for blending and cooking with the additional nuts.

Can I make a vegan version of Badam Kheer?

• Yes, you can make a vegan version of Badam Kheer by using plant-based milk such as almond milk or cashew milk, and substituting ghee with a vegan butter or coconut oil.

Recipe Card

Badam Kheer

Badam Kheer 2016-10-27 05:58:42

Serves 2                               Print        

Prep Time   00:15        

Cook Time   00:10        

Total Time   00:25                      

Ingredients

• 50g almonds
• 2 cups full fat milk
• 1 tbsp ghee
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
• A pinch of saffron
• 1/4 cup water          

Instructions

• Soak almonds in hot water for 5 mins. then drain and wash it with cold water. It will help you to peel the skin easily.
• After removing the skin, place them in blender and blend until powdered. Then add 1/4 cup of water and blend until a smooth paste.
• Meanwhile, heat a non stick pan with ghee over low heat, when the ghee melts, add almond paste, stir well for 2 mins.
• Then add milk, mix it well and boil it over medium heat.
• When it starts to boil, reduce the heat and continue to boil until the milk reduces a bit.
• Then add sugar, saffron and cardamom powder and mix well. Keep on stirring to prevent the milk from getting burnt. Cook it for another 5 mins.
• When it becomes thick, remove from the heat and let it cool down.
• After it comes to the room temperature, cool it in the refrigerator for minimum 2 hours.
• Now the chilled Badam Kheer is ready to serve.         

By Santhi Therese    The Indian Claypot

https://theindianclaypot.com/