5 different types of Kheer you had no idea you could make!
Kheer is a traditional South Asian dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is a creamy, sweet pudding made with rice, milk, and sugar. It can be flavored with cardamom, saffron, rosewater, and other spices. The origins of kheer can be traced back to the ancient Subcontinent, where it was served to royalty and nobles. In Hindu culture, kheer is also seen as a symbol of prosperity and abundance. Today, there are many different variations of kheer that vary by region and culture, for example in the Southern subcontinent, kheer is made with jaggery (a type of unrefined cane sugar) and coconut milk, while in the Northern regions it is usually made with white sugar and cow’s milk. Even though we all love the classic, sweet, and fragrant flavor of this delectable treat, it is about time we started exploring some of the lesser-known versions in our own kitchens. Here are 5 different types of Kheer you had no idea existed and should definitely try out at home!
1. Rice Kheer
The most classic and widely known type of kheer is the rice kheer, which is made with basmati rice, milk, sugar, and cardamom powder. It is often garnished with sliced almonds or pistachios for a nutty flavor. This is the simplest and the most common version of the dessert, and something most people living in the subcontinent would have tried.
2. Vermicelli/Seviyan Kheer
This type of kheer is made with roasted vermicelli, sweetened condensed milk, and sugar. Vermicelli made from whole wheat is frequently used. This vermicelli consists of tiny, delicate strands, not bulkier ones. However, if you don’t have access to the finer ones, you may use the thicker ones. It can be garnished with sliced almonds or pistachios along with a few cashews at times for that rich crunchy addition to the texture.
3. Sabudana Kheer
This kheer is made with sago pearls, milk, and sugar. Sago is simply simmered in water until the balls become translucent and are thoroughly cooked. They are later thickened by simmering in milk. The kheer is then seasoned with cardamom powder after being flavored with sugar or jaggery. It is garnished with a large amount of toasted or ghee-fried nuts and is either served warm or chilled. Sabudana kheer may be made with any type of milk, including vegan alternatives like almond or coconut milk, even though the traditional recipe calls for whole milk (full-fat milk).
4. Badam Kheer
This kheer is made with almond paste, milk, and sugar. When almonds are finely ground, the badam kheer has a thicker consistency and delicious flavor. This kheer can also be made using vermicelli or sago, which adds volume but has a somewhat different flavor. The delicacy may be offered as a dessert at a celebration or as an after-meal treat. It comes with chopped nuts and saffron garnish and can be served both warm or chilled. You may use either fresh milk and sugar or condensed milk to make this badam kheer, both work equally well.
5. Apple Kheer
In addition to having the added health benefits of fruit, apple kheer also boasts the fragrant flavor of cardamom, which is a nice break from classic kheer recipes. Made with apples, milk, and sugar, this kheer is comparatively sweeter. The main distinction between Apple Kheer and typical Kheer recipes is the addition of cooked, grated apple to the rabri at the very end to avoid it from clumping because of the tanginess of the apple. Dates, almonds, pistachios, and cashew nuts are among the optional dry fruits that can be included to top the dessert.
Kheer is a versatile and delicious South Asian dessert that can be enjoyed in many different ways. It can be served as a snack, after-dinner treat or even as breakfast. No matter how it is served or what variation is carried out, kheer is sure to please! You can now buy National Kheer Mix with a click of a button and try out all these different versions of Kheer yourself. Click here to order now!