A Delightful Dessert: Ishva Little Millet Kheer Recipe

Introduction

Kheer, a traditional Indian dessert, is loved by many for its creamy texture and delightful flavor. Today, we're giving this classic dish a healthy twist by using Ishva Little Millet. Little millet is a nutritious grain packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making this kheer not only delicious but also good for you. Let's dive into this simple yet flavorful recipe!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Ishva Little Millet
• 4 cups milk (you can use dairy or a plant-based alternative)
• 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios)
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• A few strands of saffron (optional)
• 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Little Millet:

   • Rinse the Ishva Little Millet thoroughly under running water.
   • Soak the millet in water for about 30 minutes. This helps in cooking it faster and more evenly.

2. Cook the Millet:

   • Drain the soaked millet.
   • In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee.
   • Add the drained millet and sauté it for 3-4 minutes on medium heat until it starts to emit a nutty aroma.

3. Add Milk:

   • Pour in the milk and bring it to a boil.
   • Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

4. Sweeten the Kheer:

   • Once the millet is cooked and the milk has reduced to a creamy consistency, add the sugar.
   • Stir well until the sugar dissolves completely.

5. Flavor and Garnish:

   • Add the cardamom powder and saffron strands (if using) for that rich aroma and flavor.
   • In a small pan, heat the remaining ghee and roast the chopped nuts and raisins until they turn golden brown.
   • Add the roasted nuts and raisins to the kheer, reserving a few for garnishing.

6. Serve:

   • Turn off the heat and let the kheer cool slightly.
   • Garnish with the reserved nuts and serve warm or chilled.

Tips

• Consistency: If you prefer a thicker kheer, let it simmer for a bit longer. For a thinner consistency, you can add more milk.
• Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste. You can also use jaggery as a healthier alternative.
• Variations: Add fruits like mango or banana for a fruity twist.

Health Benefits

Little millet is a powerhouse of nutrition. It's high in fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight. It's also rich in essential minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium. Incorporating little millet into your diet can help improve heart health, manage blood sugar levels, and provide sustained energy.

Conclusion

Ishva Little Millet Kheer is a delightful way to enjoy a traditional dessert with a healthy twist. It's easy to make, nutritious, and sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a bowl of creamy, delicious kheer with your loved ones!

Happy Cooking!