Carrot Kheer

Welcome to our blog post about the delicious and unique recipe for Carrot Kheer! This traditional Indian dessert is a sweet and creamy treat that is perfect for any occasion. In this post, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of making this delectable dish, so get ready to indulge in the flavors of carrots, almonds, and aromatic spices. Whether you are a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress your taste buds and leave you wanting more. So, let's get started on making this delightful Carrot Kheer!

What Is Carrot Kheer?

• Carrot kheer is a traditional Indian dessert made from grated carrots, milk, almonds, and various spices. This delightful treat offers a combination of succulent carrots and the richness of milk, enhanced with the flavors of almonds, cardamom, and saffron. The unique seasoning and Indian spices used in this recipe create a delicious and aromatic dessert that is loved by many.

Why You'll Love Carrot Kheer?

• Creamy and Rich Texture: Carrot kheer has a creamy and rich texture that makes it a delightful dessert. The grated carrots, milk, and almond powder create a smooth and luxurious mouthfeel that will leave you craving for more.
• Healthy and Nutritious: This delicious dessert is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a nutritional powerhouse. Carrots are packed with vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants, while almonds offer healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients.
• Good for Digestion: The combination of carrots and milk in this recipe makes it beneficial for digestion. Carrots are known for their fiber content, while milk helps in soothing the digestive system.
• A Perfect Dessert for All Ages: From kids to adults, everyone will enjoy this delectable carrot kheer. The natural sweetness from carrots, along with the addition of sugar, makes it a hit among all age groups.
• Saffron for Boosting Immunity: The optional addition of saffron not only enhances the flavor and aroma but also offers immunity-boosting properties. It's a great way to incorporate this powerful spice into your diet.
• Nourishing and Delicious: With the goodness of carrots, almonds, and milk, this carrot kheer is not just a tasty dessert but also a nourishing one. It's a guilt-free indulgence that you can savor without any reservations.

Ingredients for Carrot Kheer

• Carrots: Carrots add a natural sweetness and vibrant color to the kheer, while also providing a boost of vitamin A and fiber.
• Almonds: Almonds contribute to the creamy texture of the kheer and add a rich, nutty flavor. They also provide a good source of healthy fats and protein.
• Milk: Milk forms the base of the kheer, providing creaminess and richness. It helps to bind all the ingredients together while adding a delicious dairy flavor.
• Ghee: Ghee is used to fry the cashews, adding a rich and buttery flavor to the kheer.
• Cashews and Pistachios: These nuts are fried in ghee and used as a garnish, adding a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the kheer.
• Sugar: Sugar is added to sweeten the kheer, balancing out the natural sweetness of the carrots and providing a desirable level of sweetness to the dish.

How To Make Carrot Kheer?

To make delicious Carrot Kheer, follow these simple steps:

• Wash, peel, and grate the carrots.
• Soak the almonds in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes, then wash them with cold water to easily peel off the skin. Pat dry with a kitchen towel.
• Place the almonds in a blender and grind them into a fine powder without adding water, and set aside.
• Heat a heavy-bottomed non-stick pan over medium heat, add ghee, and fry the cashews until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside for garnishing.
• In the same pan, add the grated carrots and salt, and sauté for 2 minutes until the raw smell goes away.
• Add the milk and bring it to a boil. Once it boils, add the almond powder and whisk continuously for 1 minute.
• Close the lid and cook for 8 to 10 minutes over low heat, or until it becomes slightly thick.
• Add sugar, cardamom powder, and saffron, and mix well.
• Switch off the heat, let it cool, and garnish with cashews and pistachios.

By following these steps, you'll be able to create a delicious and flavorful Carrot Kheer that everyone will love.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a savory snack: Since carrot kheer is a sweet dish, it pairs well with a savory snack like samosas or pakoras for a satisfying contrast in flavors.
• Serve with a traditional Indian meal: Carrot kheer can be served alongside traditional Indian dishes such as biryani or curry for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Enjoy with a warm cup of chai: The creamy and sweet flavors of carrot kheer can be enjoyed with a warm cup of chai for a comforting and indulgent experience.
• Pair with fruit: Fresh fruit such as mango, banana, or pineapple can complement the sweetness of carrot kheer and add a refreshing element to the meal.
• Serve as a dessert: As carrot kheer is a sweet dish, it can be served as a dessert at the end of a meal, or as a sweet treat on its own.
• Garnish with nuts and dried fruits: For an added crunch and texture, garnish the carrot kheer with chopped nuts and dried fruits such as almonds, cashews, and raisins.

Tips for making Carrot Kheer

Furthermore, I would like to share some of my suggestions for making tasty almond carrot kheer.

• Firstly, for a rich almond carrot kheer, go with full-fat milk though low-fat milk also serves the purpose. Because the addition of ground almond powder gives a nutty creamy texture to this kheer.
• Finally, if you don’t want the grated carrots, then cut and grind it in a blender, then saute and cook it for 5 mins.
• Cooking Techniques: When sautéing the grated carrots, make sure to cook them until their raw smell goes away. This will ensure a rich, flavorful taste in the kheer. Additionally, continuously whisk the almond powder into the milk to ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
• Importance of Garnishing: Garnishing the Carrot Kheer with cashews and pistachios not only enhances the presentation but also adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the dessert. Take the time to arrange the nuts on top of the kheer for an inviting visual appeal.
• Control the Thickness: When cooking the kheer over low heat, monitor the thickness to achieve the desired consistency. Adjust the cooking time as needed to reach a slightly thick texture.
• Sweetness Level: Taste the kheer after adding sugar to ensure it has the right level of sweetness. You can adjust the amount of sugar to suit your preference.
• Serve Chilled: For a refreshing treat, refrigerate the Carrot Kheer before serving. The chilled kheer is perfect for hot summer days and makes for a delightful dessert.

Variations for Carrot Kheer

• Add Flavors: Experiment with adding different flavors such as rose water, saffron, or vanilla extract to give the carrot kheer a unique twist and depth of flavor.
• Nut Options: Instead of using almonds, try using other nuts like cashews, pistachios, or even walnuts to add a different nutty flavor and texture to the kheer.
• Dairy Alternatives: For a dairy-free option, substitute the milk with coconut milk or almond milk to make a vegan version of the carrot kheer.
• Sweeteners: Instead of using sugar, try using honey, agave nectar, or jaggery for a different sweetness and flavor profile.
• Add Fruit: Consider adding diced fruits such as mango, pineapple, or apple to the kheer for added freshness and a pop of color.
• Spices: Experiment with adding different spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or star anise to give the carrot kheer a warm and aromatic flavor.

How to Store Carrot Kheer

• Refrigerate the Carrot Kheer: Once the kheer has completely cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. Proper refrigeration will help maintain the freshness of the kheer and prevent it from spoiling.
• Use Fresh Carrots: It's important to use fresh and quality carrots for the kheer to ensure its flavor and texture. Store the carrots in the refrigerator crisper drawer to keep them fresh for a longer period.
• Store Almonds Properly: After soaking and grinding the almonds, store the almond powder in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help preserve its freshness and prevent it from turning rancid.
• Keep Milk Fresh: Ensure the milk used in the kheer is within its expiration date and store any leftover milk in the refrigerator. Proper storage will help maintain the freshness and prevent spoilage.
• Preserve the Flavor of Ghee: Store the ghee in a cool, dark place or in the refrigerator to maintain its flavor and prevent it from going rancid. Proper storage will ensure the ghee retains its quality for future use.
• Properly Store Cashews and Pistachios: After frying and using as garnish, store any leftover cashews and pistachios in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Proper storage will help preserve their texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use any other nuts instead of almonds?

• Yes, you can substitute almonds with cashews or pistachios for a different flavor in the carrot kheer.

Can I use a dairy-free milk alternative?

• Yes, you can use almond milk or coconut milk as a dairy-free alternative for this recipe.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

• To make this recipe vegan, you can substitute ghee with coconut oil and use a dairy-free milk alternative.

Can I reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe?

• Yes, you can adjust the amount of sugar to your preference. Start with a smaller amount and taste the kheer before adding more, if needed.

Can I make this in advance?

• Yes, you can make the carrot kheer in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat before serving.

Can I skip the saffron?

• Yes, saffron is optional and can be omitted from the recipe if you don't have it on hand.

Recipe Card

Carrot Kheer

Carrot Kheer  2016-11-30 06:59:37

Serves 2       

Print                  

Prep Time   00:10        

Cook Time   00:15        

Total Time   00:25                      

Ingredients

• 200 g carrots
• 1 handful of almonds (30 nos.)
• 3 cups milk
• 2 tsp ghee
• 1 tbsp chopped cashews and pistachios
• 2 & 1/2 tbsp sugar
• A pinch of salt
• 1/8 tsp cardamom powder
• A pinch of saffron (optional)          

Instructions

• Wash, peel and then grate the carrots.
• Soak the almonds in hot water for 5 to 10 mins. Wash it with cold water because it will help you to peel off skin easily. Pat dry with kitchen tissue.
• Then place almonds in a blender and grind until a fine powder without adding water, keep it aside.
• Heat a heavy bottomed non-stick pan over medium heat, add in ghee, fry the cashews till golden brown, remove from the pan and reserve it for garnishing.
• In the same pan add grated carrots and salt, saute well for 2 mins until its raw smell goes.
• Then add milk, bring it to boil. When it starts to boil add almond powder and whisk it continuously for 1 minute.
• Now close the lid and cook it for 8 to 10 mins over low heat or until it becomes slightly thick.
• Then add sugar, cardamom powder and saffron, mix well.
• Switch off the heat, Let it cool and garnish it with cashews and pistachios.         

By Santhi Therese    The Indian Claypot

https://theindianclaypot.com/