Creamy Khira Gaintha (Kheer Puli) – Odisha’s Cardamom Rice Flour Dumplings Dessert

Khira Gaintha Recipe (Kheer Puli)
Cuisine: Oriya | Course: Dessert | Diet: Vegetarian

Khira Gaintha, also known as Kheer Puli, is a delightful and luxurious dessert that holds a special place in Odisha’s culinary tradition. This aromatic dish is made of rice flour dough balls delicately soaked in reduced cardamom-flavored milk, creating a comforting and subtly sweet treat. The texture of the rice flour balls, combined with the rich creaminess of the milk and the aromatic hint of cardamom, makes Khira Gaintha an unforgettable experience, perfect for celebrations or as a special treat to conclude a meal.

Ingredients

Preparation Time

15 minutes

Cooking Time

35 minutes

Instructions

1. Prepare the Rice Flour Dough Balls:
   Begin by boiling water in a wide pan. Add 1 teaspoon of oil and 1 teaspoon of salt into the water. Once the water comes to a rolling boil, gradually and steadily add the rice flour, stirring continuously to prevent any lumps from forming. Be sure to keep the flame on medium heat. Once the rice flour is well mixed in, cover the pan with a lid and allow the mixture to cook for about 5 minutes.

2. Knead the Dough:
   After 5 minutes, remove the pan from the heat and transfer the mixture onto a large plate. Allow it to cool slightly, and then knead it gently with your fingers until it forms a smooth dough. The dough should be slightly warm to touch but not too hot. Shape the dough into small, round balls, ensuring they are uniform in size.

3. Steam the Rice Flour Balls:
   Steam the rice flour balls for about 10-12 minutes. Make sure the steam is consistent and the balls are soft and cooked through.

4. Prepare the Milk Mixture:
   In a separate deep pan, pour in the 6 cups of milk and 1 cup of evaporated milk. Heat the milk on medium flame and bring it to a boil. Once it starts to boil, reduce the heat and allow the milk to simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from scorching. Let the milk reduce and thicken slightly.

5. Flavor the Milk:
   Once the milk has thickened to a creamy consistency, add the sugar and cardamom powder to the milk. Stir until the sugar completely dissolves, and the milk becomes fragrant with the cardamom. Allow the milk to simmer for a few more minutes, intensifying the flavors.

6. Add the Rice Flour Balls:
   One by one, gently drop the rice flour balls into the simmering milk. Stir carefully to ensure the balls do not stick to the bottom of the pan. Let the rice balls soak in the milk for about 10-15 minutes, allowing them to absorb the flavors of the milk.

7. Finish the Dish:
   Finally, add the shredded fresh coconut, crushed cashew nuts, and slivered almonds to the milk and rice flour balls. Stir gently and allow the dessert to simmer for another 5 minutes to integrate all the flavors together.

8. Serve:
   Once the Khira Gaintha is ready, allow it to cool down to room temperature or refrigerate it for a couple of hours. Serve chilled as a delightful, creamy dessert.

Notes:

• Consistency: The milk should be thick but not too creamy. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mix 1 tablespoon of rice flour with a little water to make a smooth paste and add it to the milk while it’s simmering.
• Flavor Variation: For a different twist, you can add a small amount of saffron to the milk for a golden hue and an even richer flavor.
• Serving Suggestion: Khira Gaintha is often served on its own but can also pair wonderfully with fried sweets or fruit-based dishes.

Khira Gaintha is a special dessert that embodies the rich cultural heritage of Odisha, with its sweet, creamy milk and the delicate rice flour dumplings. The addition of cardamom and coconut enhances the flavors, making each spoonful of this dessert a moment to savor. Whether you’re serving it for a festive occasion or as a comforting end to your meal, this dessert is sure to impress and delight. Enjoy!