Jaggery Sweetened Phool Makhana Kheer – Creamy Lotus Seed Dessert

Phool Makhana Kheer Recipe – Sweetened With Jaggery

Phool Makhana Kheer is a delicious and aromatic North Indian dessert that combines the rich, creamy goodness of milk with the earthy flavor of lotus seeds (makhanas) and the natural sweetness of jaggery. A traditional treat often made during festivals like Diwali, this kheer is a perfect addition to any celebratory feast. It’s a simple yet luxurious dessert that will surely impress your guests with its unique flavor and texture.

Ingredients

Preparation Time

10 minutes

Cooking Time

25 minutes

Total Time

35 minutes

Servings

5

Cuisine

North Indian

Course

Dessert

Diet

Vegetarian

Instructions

1. Roast the Makhanas: Start by roasting the makhanas (lotus seeds). Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan over low to medium heat. Add the makhanas to the pan and gently roast them until they turn golden and crispy. Keep a small handful of the roasted makhanas aside for garnish. Once the roasted makhanas are ready, set them aside.

2. Crush the Makhanas: Take the remaining roasted makhanas and roughly crush them using a mortar and pestle. You want a coarse powder to add texture to the kheer, so avoid grinding them too finely.

3. Boil the Milk: Pour 1 liter of milk into the same heavy-bottomed pan and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat. Allow the milk to simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. This step thickens the milk slightly.

4. Add the Roasted and Crushed Makhanas: Once the milk has thickened a bit, add both the whole roasted makhanas and the pounded makhanas to the pan. Stir well to combine, and let this mixture simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the makhanas to soften and absorb the flavors of the milk.

5. Sweeten and Flavor the Kheer: After 5 minutes, add 1/2 cup of powdered jaggery and 1 teaspoon of cardamom powder to the pan. Stir the kheer well, ensuring the jaggery dissolves completely and blends into the mixture. Let the kheer simmer for a few more minutes, allowing the jaggery to melt and the kheer to thicken further.

6. Finish and Garnish: Once the kheer has reached your desired consistency, turn off the heat. Garnish with slivered almonds, pistachios, and dried rose petals. These garnishes not only enhance the look of the dish but also add a subtle fragrance to the dessert.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Your Phool Makhana Kheer is now ready to be served! This dessert can be enjoyed warm or chilled, depending on your preference. It’s a perfect addition to any festive menu, especially during Diwali, but can also be served as a sweet ending to any meal.

Serving Suggestions: Pair this kheer with traditional North Indian dishes such as Paneer Butter Masala, Kachumber Salad, and Tawa Paratha for a complete meal. Its rich and creamy texture complements these savory dishes beautifully.

Tips for the Best Phool Makhana Kheer:

• Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter kheer, feel free to increase the amount of jaggery. You can also substitute jaggery with sugar if you don’t have jaggery on hand.
• Make it vegan: To make this kheer vegan, replace the milk with coconut milk or any plant-based milk of your choice and use coconut oil instead of ghee.
• Add nuts and dry fruits: You can add a variety of nuts and dry fruits like cashews, raisins, and saffron strands to enhance the flavor and texture of the kheer.
• Chill before serving: If you prefer cold desserts, refrigerate the kheer for a couple of hours before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together even more.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

Conclusion

Phool Makhana Kheer is a perfect dessert for any special occasion, especially during festivals like Diwali. Its rich flavors of jaggery, cardamom, and roasted makhanas are complemented by the crunch of almonds and pistachios, making each bite a delightful experience. This North Indian sweet is sure to leave your guests impressed and craving more. Try this simple yet elegant recipe at home and enjoy the sweet festive vibes it brings!