Description
This Quinoa Kheer Dessert offers a delightful twist on traditional kheer, using quinoa for a delicate texture, enriched with dried fruits and nuts, and infused with aromatic spices.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup quinoa
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon ghee or butter
- 4 dried dates, pits removed and chopped
- 4 teaspoons golden raisins
- 1 teaspoon pistachios, unshelled and chopped (I used unsalted raw pistachios)
- 1 teaspoon slivered almonds
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom seeds
- 3 cups skim milk
- a pinch of saffron (I used Spanish saffron)
- 3 tablespoons sugar (add more sugar if you prefer it sweeter)
- 2 teaspoons rose water
- a little extra toasted and chopped pistachios for garnishing
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under running cold water until the water turns clear. Massage the seeds with your hands while rinsing to ensure the bitter saponin coating is completely removed.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is tender and the water is absorbed.
- In another large saucepan, heat the ghee or butter over medium heat. Add the cooked quinoa, stirring to coat the grains.
- Add the whole milk, sugar, and ground cardamom to the quinoa. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the kheer thickens to a porridge-like consistency.
- Stir in the saffron threads, rose water, chopped dates, golden raisins, and chopped pistachios. Mix well and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the kheer cool to room temperature. Transfer to a serving dish and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
Ensure to rinse the quinoa thoroughly to remove the bitter saponin coating. This dessert can be served chilled, making it perfect for warm days. You can substitute ghee with butter if preferred. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 20