Black Currant Dates Payasam – Healthy Indian Dessert with Coconut Milk

Black Currant Dates Kheer Recipe

Description:
Black Currant Dates Kheer, also known as Black Currant Dates Payasam, is a delectable, nutrient-packed dessert perfect for family gatherings and festive occasions. This flavorful pudding combines the natural sweetness of dates and black currants, enriched with dry fruits and the creamy richness of coconut milk. Packed with iron, magnesium, and essential B-vitamins, this kheer serves as both a sweet indulgence and a nutritious treat. While the traditional method of preparing dates kheer involves grinding the dates, this version uses finely chopped dates to add a delightful texture to the dish. It’s a fantastic dessert choice for those seeking both taste and health benefits in one bowl.

Cuisine: Indian
Course: Dessert
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients:

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Servings: 4-6

Instructions:

1. Roasting the Dry Ingredients:
   Begin by heating 2 teaspoons of ghee in a small pan over medium heat. Once the ghee is warm, add the chopped dates, dried black currants, poppy seeds, and dry fruits (such as cashews, almonds, and raisins). Roast these ingredients for a few minutes until a wonderful aroma begins to emanate from the mixture. Stir constantly to prevent burning.

2. Adding Sweetness and Creaminess:
   Lower the heat and add 3/4 cup of powdered jaggery to the roasted mixture. Stir well to allow the jaggery to dissolve, blending with the dates and currants. Next, pour in 300 ml of coconut milk, stirring continuously to combine everything into a smooth, cohesive mixture.

3. Thickening the Kheer:
   In a separate bowl, mix 2 teaspoons of rice flour with a little water to make a smooth paste. Add this paste to the coconut milk and jaggery mixture, stirring it thoroughly. This will help thicken the kheer as it simmers.

4. Simmer and Serve:
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the kheer thickens evenly. Once the kheer has reached your desired consistency, remove from heat.

5. Serving:
   The Black Currant Dates Kheer can be served either hot or chilled. For a warm, comforting dessert, serve immediately. Alternatively, refrigerate the kheer for a few hours to enjoy it cold—either way, it’s sure to be a delightful treat.

6. Pairing Suggestion:
   For a complete and satisfying meal, serve this kheer alongside a flavorful one-pot meal such as Spiced Kumbh Pulao (Spicy Mushroom Rice). The balance of savory and sweet makes for a well-rounded dining experience.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Tips:

• Adjust sweetness: You can modify the amount of jaggery to suit your taste. If you prefer a sweeter kheer, feel free to add a little more jaggery.
• Textural variation: For a smoother kheer, you can grind the dates instead of chopping them. However, using chopped dates adds a delightful texture to the dessert.
• Vegan version: If you prefer a vegan option, substitute the ghee with coconut oil.

Final Thoughts:

This Black Currant Dates Kheer is not only a delicious way to end any meal, but it also serves as a powerhouse of nutrients. The use of dates and black currants ensures a naturally sweet dessert while providing essential minerals and vitamins. Whether served warm or chilled, this kheer is the perfect dessert for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive celebrations.