Sago Kheer Recipe – Tapioca Milk Pudding
A delightful, creamy Indian dessert that is the perfect treat to finish any meal. This Sago Kheer (also known as Tapioca Milk Pudding) is rich in flavor, infused with the subtle warmth of cardamom and the delicate fragrance of saffron. Paired with cashews and raisins, it is an indulgent yet comforting dish, often enjoyed warm or chilled. It is naturally vegetarian, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Milk | 2 cups |
| Sabudana (Tapioca Pearls) | 1 cup |
| Sugar | As required |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Saffron strands | 6 |
| Cashew nuts | 4 (roughly broken) |
| Raisins (optional) | 4 |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250-300 kcal |
| Protein | 4-5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45-50 g |
| Fat | 6-8 g |
| Fiber | 0.5-1 g |
| Sugar | 25-30 g |
Preparation Time
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 70 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 85 minutes |
Servings
| Servings | 4 |
Cuisine & Course
| Cuisine | Indian |
|---|---|
| Course | Dessert |
| Diet | Vegetarian |
Instructions
1. Preparing the Sago Pearls:
Begin by rinsing the sabudana (sago pearls) thoroughly under cold running water. Strain them well and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, pour 2 cups of water and soak the sago pearls for a minimum of 1 hour, or until they have bloomed and softened completely.
2. Boiling the Milk:
Place a heavy-bottomed pan on the stove and pour in the 2 cups of milk. Bring the milk to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom. Once the milk starts to boil, reduce the heat to a simmer and add the saffron strands along with the cardamom powder. Let the milk simmer gently until it thickens slightly and turns a pale yellow color.
3. Cooking the Sago:
Once the milk has thickened, add the soaked sago pearls into the pan. Stir gently, and cook the mixture for 5 to 6 minutes over low heat. You’ll notice that the sago pearls will start to turn translucent and soft.
4. Sweetening the Kheer:
At this stage, add sugar according to your taste. Stir well until the sugar dissolves completely into the milk, creating a smooth and creamy texture.
5. Adding Nuts and Raisins:
Now, add the roughly broken cashew nuts to the kheer and continue to cook for another 10 minutes on low heat, allowing the kheer to thicken and develop a rich, creamy consistency. You can also add raisins at this point, if desired. However, it is recommended to add raisins last to avoid them curdling the milk and spoiling the dish.
6. Serving the Sago Kheer:
Once the kheer has reached a creamy texture, turn off the stove. Let it cool for a few minutes if serving warm, or refrigerate if you prefer it chilled. Sago Kheer can be served hot, warm, or cold, depending on your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Sago Kheer is a versatile dessert that pairs wonderfully with a variety of Indian meals. Serve it as a sweet ending after a delicious spread of dishes such as Palak Makhana, Punjabi Dal Tadka, Garlic Naan, and Jeera Rice. Its creamy texture and sweet flavor make it the perfect conclusion to any Indian feast.
Tips & Variations:
- To enhance the flavor: You can also add a few strands of saffron directly into the milk while it heats to release its vibrant color and aroma.
- Consistency: If you prefer your kheer to be thicker, allow it to simmer longer, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning. For a thinner consistency, you can add a little more milk during the cooking process.
- Vegan Version: Replace the milk with coconut milk for a dairy-free version of this dessert. Use plant-based sugar or jaggery to make it vegan-friendly.
- Nuts and Dry Fruits: Feel free to experiment with different nuts like almonds, pistachios, or even chopped dates, to add a unique texture and flavor.
This Sago Kheer recipe brings comfort and indulgence to your kitchen with its creamy texture, subtle sweetness, and the aromatic flavors of cardamom and saffron. It’s a perfect dessert for special occasions or whenever you crave a delicious, homemade treat.
Enjoy this simple yet rich dessert that captures the essence of Indian home cooking—whether served warm after a hearty meal or chilled on a hot day, Sago Kheer is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.
