Shahi Kheer (Makhana Pudding) Recipe by Manjula

Today I will be making Shahi Kheer or
makhana pudding. Makhanas are puffed lotus seeds. Kheer is a very traditional pudding like dessert. Shahi means rich and royal.

The texture of the chopped nuts, makhana and
the creaminess of the milk makes this pudding a really super dessert. Adding the caramelized sugar adds a
unique taste to the kheer. This recipe will serve 6. To make shahi kheer we will need: 4 cups whole milk 1.5 Cups makhana.

These are puffed lotus seeds and they look
like pop corn. 1/5 Cup cooked and mashed rice 1/2 cup of sugar 2 tablespoons of almonds, blanched and sliced 2 tablespoons of sliced pistachios 1/4 teaspoon crushed cardamom Few strands of saffron 2 teaspoons of clarified butter (ghee) I have microwaved makhanas for 1/2 minute. This way makhanas get crisp and dry and it
makes it easy to slice. I will slice them in 3-4 parts.

If the makhanas are small, just make it into 2. I have already sliced the makhanas. So I am ready to make the shahi kheer. Heat is on, medium.

So first I will add the clarified butter or ghee. So add the makhanas. And sliced almonds. Roast them for about 2 minutes, stirring continuously.

So this has been about 2 minutes. Now I will add the milk. And the rice. Mix it well.

Make the heat to high medium. Milk has come to boil. So lower the heat to medium and let it cook
for about 18-20 minutes. Make sure occasionally you stir the milk and
scrape the sides.

This has been about 18 minutes and
kheer is looking good. So I will add 1/2 pistachios and 1/2 of it
I will keep it for garnishing. Cardamom And saffron. Mix it well and turn off the heat.

Now I am going to caramelize the sugar to
add in the kheer. Grease a small frying pan with the butter
and then open the heat on low medium. And add the sugar. Just stir the sugar occasionally till sugar
starts melting.

Sugar has started melting and has started
catching the light color. Now just close the heat because sugar will
melt itself because pan is still hot. You don't want to cook the sugar too much
otherwise it will get the smell of light burn. Right now it has a very nice golden color.

So just wait till all the sugar is melted. Sugar has melted and it has a very nice golden color. Now add this sugar to the hot kheer. Kheer is hot and I am going to add the sugar.

And stir it till it's mixed well. Caramelized sugar has dissolved in the kheer
really well and has given a very nice color and aroma. So shahi kheer is ready to serve. Shahi kheer or makhana pudding tastes delicious.

Caramelized sugar with saffron and cardamom
gives a very unique flavor to the kheer. Serve this kheer warm. Enjoy. Thank you.

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