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
Units
Scale
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) quinoa
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- 1 tsp ghee or butter
- 4 dried dates, pits removed and chopped
- 4 tsp golden raisins
- 1 tsp pistachios, unshelled and chopped (I used unsalted raw pistachios)
- 1 tsp slivered almonds
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom seeds
- 3 cups (720 ml) skim milk
- a pinch of saffron (I used Spanish saffron)
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) sugar (add more sugar if you prefer it sweeter)
- 2 tsp 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 1/2 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