Kheer

 

Rice Kheer

Specialty of Rice Kheer 

 Rice Kheer, also known as "Chawal Ki Kheer," is a beloved Indian and Pakistani dessert made from rice, milk, sugar, and a variety of flavorings. Its specialties include: 

 Creamy Texture: The slow cooking process makes the kheer creamy and smooth, with a rich texture that melts in the mouth. 

Flavor Infusion: Traditionally flavored with cardamom, saffron, and sometimes rose water, which impart a delicate and aromatic taste. 

Versatility: It can be garnished with nuts like almonds, cashews, and pistachios, or dried fruits like raisins, enhancing both its flavor and presentation. 

Cultural Significance: Rice kheer is often prepared during festivals, special occasions, and religious ceremonies, making it a dish of celebration and joy. 

  Recipe for Rice Kheer 

Ingredients: 

- 1/2 cup basmati rice 

- 1 liter full-fat milk 

- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste) 

- 4-5 green cardamom pods 

- A few strands of saffron (optional) 

- 2 tbsp ghee (clarified butter) 

- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios) 

- 1/4 cup raisins (optional) 

- 1-2 tbsp rose water (optional) 

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  Instructions: 

1. Prepare Rice: Wash the basmati rice thoroughly and soak it in water for about 30 minutes. Drain the water before cooking. 

2. Heat Ghee: In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat the ghee over medium heat. Add the drained rice and sauté for a few minutes until it becomes slightly translucent. 

3. Add Milk: Slowly pour in the milk, stirring continuously. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. 

4. Simmer: Let the mixture simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the rice is cooked and the milk has reduced to a creamy consistency (about 30-40 minutes). 

5.Crush the cardamom pods and add them to the kheer. If using saffron, dissolve the saffron strands in a tablespoon of warm milk and add it to the kheer. Stir well. 

6. Sweeten: Add the sugar and continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes, until the sugar is completely dissolved. 

7. Add Nuts and Raisins: Stir in the chopped nuts and raisins (if using). Cook for a few more minutes. 

8. Finish: Optionally, add rose water for extra flavor. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before serving. 

 Rice kheer can be enjoyed warm or chilled, depending on personal preference. 

 Restaurants in Pakistan Where Rice Kheer is Available 

 Rice Kheer is a popular dessert in Pakistan and can be found in many restaurants and sweet shops. Some notable places include: 

 Monal Restaurant (Islamabad) – Known for its diverse menu, including traditional desserts like rice kheer. 

Dawat Restaurant (Lahore) – Offers a range of traditional Pakistani dishes, including kheer. 

Pakistani Sweet House (Karachi) – Specializes in a variety of sweets, including rice kheer. 

These places often have rice kheer as part of their dessert menu, offering a taste of this classic dish. 

Carrot(Gajar) Kheer

Specialty of Carrot Kheer 

 Carrot Kheer, also known as "Gajar ka Kheer," is a traditional Indian dessert made from grated carrots, milk, and sugar. Its specialty lies in the blend of its rich, creamy texture with the natural sweetness and flavor of carrots. The dish is often flavored with cardamom and garnished with nuts and dry fruits, adding an extra layer of richness and crunch. It is especially popular during festivals and special occasions due to its luxurious taste and appealing color. 

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Recipe for Carrot Kheer 

  Ingredients: 

- 4 large carrots, peeled and grated 

- 1 liter milk 

- 1 cup sugar (adjust to taste) 

- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, or pistachios) 

- 1/4 cup raisins 

- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder 

- 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter) 

- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish) 

Instructions: 

1. Prepare Carrots: Heat the ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the grated carrots and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until they start to soften and release their aroma. 

  

2. Cook Carrots: Add the milk to the pan with the carrots. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. Cook until the milk reduces and thickens slightly, and the carrots are tender. This should take about 30-40 minutes. 

 3. Add Sugar and Spices: Once the milk has thickened and the carrots are cooked, add the sugar and stir well. Continue to cook for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the sugar to dissolve and the mixture to thicken further. 

 4. Finish: Add the cardamom powder, chopped nuts, and raisins. Stir well and cook for an additional 5 minutes. 

 5. Serve: Garnish with additional nuts and cilantro if desired. Serve hot or chilled, according to preference. 

Restaurants in Pakistan Where Carrot Kheer is Available 

 Carrot Kheer might not be as commonly found in restaurants as some other desserts, but you can find it in specialty sweet shops and traditional restaurants. Here are a few places where you might be able to enjoy this dish: 

 1. Chai Wala (Various Locations) - Known for offering a variety of traditional desserts including Carrot Kheer. 

   2. Monal Restaurant (Islamabad) - Offers a range of traditional dishes and might have Carrot Kheer on their dessert menu. 

 3. Tandoor Restaurant (Karachi) - A traditional restaurant known for its extensive menu which sometimes includes regional sweets like Carrot Kheer. 

 If you're looking to try making it at home or want to call ahead to check availability, these places can be a great starting point! 

 

Khoya Kheer

Specialty of Khoya Kheer  

Khoya Kheer is a rich and creamy Indian dessert made with milk, khoya (also known as mawa), sugar, and cardamom, garnished with nuts and dry fruits. The specialty of Khoya Kheer lies in its smooth, velvety texture and its indulgent, caramelized flavor from the khoya. Khoya, which is essentially evaporated milk, adds a depth of flavor and a creamy consistency that distinguishes it from other kheer varieties. The slow-cooking process allows the flavors to meld perfectly, making it a delightful and luxurious treat often served during festivals and special occasions. 

Khoya Kheer Recipe 

 Ingredients: 

- 1 liter full cream milk 

- 200 grams khoya (mawa), crumbled 

- 150 grams sugar (adjust to taste) 

- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder 

- 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter) 

- 10-12 cashews 

- 10-12 almonds 

- 10-12 pistachios 

- 1 tablespoon raisins 

- Saffron strands (optional) 

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 Instructions: 

 1. Prepare the Ingredients: 

   - Heat ghee in a pan. Add cashews, almonds, and pistachios. Fry until golden brown. Remove and set aside. 

   - In the same ghee, add raisins and fry until they puff up. Remove and set aside. 

 2. Cook the Milk: 

   - In a large, heavy-bottomed pan, bring the milk to a boil over medium heat. 

   - Reduce the heat to low and let the milk simmer, stirring frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. 

 3. Add Khoya: 

   - Once the milk has reduced by about one-third, add the crumbled khoya. Stir well to dissolve the khoya into the milk. 

   - Continue to simmer the mixture, stirring frequently, until it thickens to a creamy consistency. 

 4.Sweeten and Flavor: 

   - Add sugar to the milk mixture and stir until it is completely dissolved. 

   - Add cardamom powder and saffron strands (if using). Mix well. 

  

5. Finish and Garnish: 

   - Once the kheer has reached the desired thickness, remove it from heat. 

   - Garnish with the fried nuts and raisins. 

 6. Serve: 

   - Serve hot or chilled, as per your preference. 

 Restaurants in Pakistan Where Khoya Kheer is Available 

 1. Chandani Restaurant, Karachi - Known for its traditional desserts, including Khoya Kheer. 

2. Sattar Buksh, Lahore - Offers a variety of sweets and desserts, with Khoya Kheer being a popular choice. 

3. Tandoor Restaurant, Islamabad - Features a diverse menu including delicious Khoya Kheer. 

4. Lal Qila, Karachi- Famous for its rich Mughlai cuisine and desserts, including Khoya Kheer. 

 

Sugarcane(Ganna) Kheer

Specialty of Sugarcane Kheer: 

Sugarcane Kheer, also known as "Ganne ki Kheer," is a delightful variation of the traditional Indian rice pudding. Its specialty lies in the use of sugarcane juice as a natural sweetener, which imparts a unique flavor and a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the dish. Unlike regular kheer, which uses sugar or jaggery, sugarcane juice provides a more earthy and refreshing taste. Additionally, sugarcane juice is rich in minerals and has a distinctive aroma that enhances the overall experience of this dessert. 

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 Sugarcane Kheer Recipe: 

 Ingredients: 

- 1 cup basmati rice 

- 4 cups sugarcane juice (freshly extracted) 

- 2 cups milk 

- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachios) 

- 1/4 cup raisins 

- 4-5 cardamom pods, crushed 

- 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter) 

- A pinch of saffron strands (optional) 

- A few strands of rose water (optional) 

- Freshly grated coconut (for garnish) 

 Instructions: 

 1. Prepare the Rice: 

   - Wash the basmati rice thoroughly and soak it in water for about 30 minutes. Drain and set aside. 

  

2. Cook the Rice:  

  - In a large pot, heat the ghee over medium heat. Add the soaked rice and sauté for a couple of minutes until lightly golden. 

 3. Add Sugarcane Juice: 

   - Pour in the sugarcane juice and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the rice is cooked and the mixture thickens slightly (about 20-25 minutes). 

 4. Add Milk and Flavors: 

   - Stir in the milk, crushed cardamom, and saffron strands (if using). Continue to cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the kheer thickens to your desired consistency. 

 5. Add Nuts and Raisins: 

   - In a separate pan, heat a little ghee and fry the chopped nuts and raisins until golden. Add these to the kheer and mix well. 

 6. Final Touches:   

 - Add rose water if desired for a subtle floral aroma. Garnish with freshly grated coconut before serving. 

 7. Serve: 

   - Serve the sugarcane kheer warm or chilled, depending on your preference. 

Restaurants in Pakistan Where Sugarcane Kheer is Available: 

  

Sugarcane Kheer is not as commonly found in restaurants as traditional kheer, but you may find it in some specialized or local eateries. Here are a few places where you might inquire about or request Sugarcane Kheer: 

  

1. Biryani by Kilo (Various Locations) 

   - Known for their diverse menu, they might offer unique desserts like Sugarcane Kheer. 

 2. Cafe Aylanto (Karachi and Lahore) 

   - A popular spot for innovative and high-quality desserts. 

 3. Chotu Chaiwala (Karachi) 

   - A place that often features regional and traditional sweets.