I don’t usually dig on desserts much and prefer wandering on the savory side of a(ny) dinner table. Sadly, too much of sweet stuff gives me headache, unlike the others in my family who really adore them. I hadn’t made any kind of kheer for many months now so, I decided to make some past weekend. It’s light, refreshing that can be made with a number of different add-ins and in my recipe, I chose to use dried lotus seeds (phool makhana), a packet that was sitting in my pantry, untouched for many many months now.
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Puffed Lotus Seeds Milk Pudding
- Total Time: 47 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy, dreamy milk pudding with crunchy puffed lotus seeds. Enjoy warm or cold – its that good!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cups (118 ml) dried lotus seeds/phool makhana
- 1.5 cups (355 ml) milk
- 1/2 cups (118 ml) condensed milk
- a pinch of cardamom powder
- 1 tbsp warm milk
- 1 tsp ghee
- 1/4 cups (59 ml) chopped nuts, raisins etc
Instructions
- Melt ghee in a pan and add nuts and raisins. Shallow fry until light golden brown and puffed, then remove with the ghee and set aside.
- In the same pan, dry roast lotus seeds until firm and lightly crisp. Set aside.
- Cut the dry roasted lotus seeds in half.
- Add milk and let it thicken and reduce over low-medium heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add condensed milk and cardamom powder to the thickened milk. Mix well.
- Add the lotus seeds and cook covered for 10 to 15 minutes until softened. Add the ghee-roasted nuts, raisins, and saffron strands. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Serve.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat milk instead of reduced-fat or skim milk.
- If you don’t have ghee, you can substitute with unsalted butter or coconut oil.
- Store leftover pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 37 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 10
Frequently Asked Questions
What are puffed lotus seeds and where do I find them?
Puffed lotus seeds are dried lotus seeds that have been heated until they expand and become light and crunchy, similar in texture to puffed rice. They are available at Asian grocery stores, often in the snack or dried goods aisle.
Can I substitute puffed lotus seeds with another ingredient?
Puffed rice or tapioca pearls are the closest substitutes in terms of texture and neutral flavor. The pudding will taste different but will still hold together well as a milk-based dessert. 
How do I prevent a skin from forming on the milk pudding as it sets?
Press a sheet of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pudding while it cools and chills. This blocks air contact, which is what causes the skin to form.
