Khira Gaintha Recipe – Rice Dumplings in Sweetened Milk
An Exquisite Traditional Odia Delight
Khira Gaintha is a cherished dessert from Odisha, India, renowned for its delicate rice flour dumplings simmered in a fragrant, cardamom-infused sweetened milk. Soft, melt-in-your-mouth rice flour balls are immersed in a velvety, spiced milk, making this dish an exceptional treat for any special occasion or as a refreshing end to a meal. Paired with chopped nuts, Khira Gaintha offers a rich and satisfying dessert experience that will undoubtedly captivate your taste buds.
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Dessert
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice flour | 1 cup |
| Water | 2 cups |
| Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Cashew nuts (powdered) | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | 1 pinch |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | 1 tablespoon |
| Milk | 1 liter |
| Mixed nuts (chopped) | To garnish |
Preparation Time:
30 minutes
Cooking Time:
30 minutes
Instructions:
Step 1: Begin by soaking the rice in water for about 5 to 6 hours. Once soaked, wash the rice thoroughly, drain any excess water, and let it dry under a fan. After the rice has dried, set it aside.
Step 2: If you’re grinding the rice to make fresh flour, grind it into a fine powder. Alternatively, you can use store-bought rice flour for convenience.
Step 3: In a deep pan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of oil and a pinch of salt to the water. Gradually add the rice flour to the boiling water while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
Step 4: Once the rice flour is fully incorporated, lower the flame, cover the pan, and let it cook for about 5 minutes. This step helps the flour cook through.
Step 5: Transfer the cooked rice mixture to a plate and let it cool. Once cooled, knead the mixture with your fingers to form a smooth and pliable dough.
Step 6: Roll the dough into small, smooth balls (about the size of a marble).
Step 7: In a separate pan, bring some water to a boil and drop the rice balls into the boiling water. Cook the balls for 4 to 5 minutes, or until they float to the surface. You can also steam them if you prefer. Once done, remove the balls from the water and set them aside.
Step 8: Now, in a large pot, simmer 1 liter of milk on low heat until it thickens slightly. Add sugar, cardamom powder, and the powdered cashew nuts to the milk, stirring constantly. The cashew powder will add a creamy texture to the milk.
Step 9: Drop the rice dumplings one by one into the boiling milk, gently stirring to coat each dumpling in the fragrant milk. Let the milk cook for an additional minute, then turn off the heat.
Step 10: Garnish your Khira Gaintha with finely chopped pistachios, almonds, or any mixed nuts of your choice. The nuts add a wonderful crunch and flavor contrast to the smooth milk and soft dumplings.
Step 11: Serve the Khira Gaintha chilled, allowing the sweet and spiced milk to infuse into the rice dumplings. It is an ideal dessert for gatherings and special occasions.
Serving Suggestions:
Khira Gaintha pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Serve it as a sweet finale after a flavorful meal of Lobia Kebabs, One Pot Spicy Vegetable Pulao, Kela Anar Raita, or Butter Naan. It is sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more.
Enjoy the delightful taste of Khira Gaintha – Rice Dumplings in Sweetened Milk, a traditional dessert that brings the essence of Odisha to your table with its rich flavors and comforting textures.
