35 mins
10 minsHave you been craving a bowl of warm kheer lately, but your dietary restrictions are holding you back? We get it. Wheat and semolina kheer are the most common kheers made in a household. While they are absolutely delectable, the dishes may not be a sound choice for you, if you are trying to curb gluten-rich foods from your diet. Well, why let your cravings take a hit when you can make an equally creamy kheer with this foxtail millet kheer recipe? This foxtail millet kheer is a gluten-free extraordinaire that will have your guests asking for seconds this festive season.
Once you have the ingredients ready, here’s how to easily make foxtail millet kheer at home:
Step 2: Set a pan on the stove and melt a tablespoon of ghee on low heat. Add in the chopped nuts to the pan and roast them in the ghee until golden brown. Immediately take them off the heat once you achieve the nutty aroma and golden hue.
Step 3: Drain the excess liquid off the soaked millet and add it to the now-emptied pan on the stove. Roast this foxtail millet on low-medium heat for around 5-7 minutes until fragrant.
Step 4: After which, pour in the milk and infuse the milk-millet mix with ghee and some strands of saffron. Allow this to come to a boil before reducing the heat and cooking the millet thoroughly for at least 20–25 minutes. Stir once in a while to prevent the foxtail millet kheer from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Step 5: Check if the millet has considerably softened and cooked before adding in half a cup of jaggery or sugar. Stir until the sweetener of your choice dissolves completely.
Step 6: Finally, incorporate the cardamom powder and chopped nuts into the foxtail millet kheer. Allow this to cook for another minute or two before serving it hot with a garnish of finely chopped nuts.
The key ingredient in this recipe, foxtail millet, is a powerhouse of nutrition. The grain is exceptionally rich in dietary fibre, minerals, and several phytochemicals. It makes a great gluten-free addition to your diet as well. Moreover, the millet also has a low glycemic index and hypolipidemic properties that support your overall well-being. The inclusion of milk in the foxtail millet kheer recipe boosts protein, fibre as well as calcium intake in your body.
With these foxtail millet kheer ingredients, you can create your own spin on this recipe.
For example, if you aspire for a vegan variation to this dish, you may simply replace cow milk with almond or coconut milk. This will impart a unique flavour to this dish.
One interesting aspect about kheer is that it need not always be served hot off the stove. The dessert even tastes immaculate chilled, so do not discard the rest. Simply store it in the refrigerator and serve cold when needed.
Apart from chopped nuts, while serving you can also top the kheer with fruits like sliced bananas, strawberries, and even mangoes. This addition can provide a burst of freshness and boost the sweetness of the dish.
Moreover, some individuals prefer their desserts moderately sweet. Match the sweetness to your taste by adjusting the amount of sugar or jaggery you may incorporate into the dish.
Kheer is a revered Indian desert for a reason. It brings together the creaminess of milk, the unique aroma of ghee, and the sweetness of jaggery and cardamom. The addition of kangni in this foxtail millet kheer truly completes the dish. The millet makes the dessert both, nourishing as well as delicious. Which makes this dish an absolute must-have on the days you simply wish to indulge in a gluten-free dessert option without being strapped for a choice. This foxtail millet kheer recipe and wholesome ingredients is all you need to make a warm bowl of kheer at home this festive season.
