Maharashtrian Gavachi Kheer, also known as Whole Cracked Wheat Pudding, is a traditional Indian dessert that is both comforting and nourishing. Made with wholesome ingredients such as broken wheat, rice, jaggery, fresh coconut, and a blend of aromatic spices, this sweet dish is a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you serve it warm or chilled, this kheer will surely become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Broken Wheat (Dalia/ Godumai Rava) | 1 cup |
| Ghee | 3 tablespoons |
| Rice (soaked in water for 30 minutes) | 2 tablespoons |
| Grated Jaggery | 3/4 to 1 cup |
| Fresh Grated Coconut | 3 tablespoons |
| Nutmeg | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Saffron Strands | A pinch |
| Chironji (or other nuts of choice) | 2 tablespoons |
| Milk | 2 cups |
| Slivered Almonds (or Pista, Cashews) | For garnish |
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 2
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Dessert
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions:
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Roast the Nuts: Begin by heating the ghee in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chironji and any other nuts of your choice (such as cashews, almonds, or pistachios). Sauté them for a minute or until they are golden and fragrant. Remove the nuts from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
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Roast the Broken Wheat (Dalia): In the same pan, add the broken wheat (dalia). Stir continuously, roasting the wheat until it releases a distinct aroma, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Once roasted, remove the pan from the heat.
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Cook the Dalia and Rice: In a pressure cooker, combine the roasted broken wheat and soaked rice. Add 2 1/2 to 3 cups of water and cook for about 3 whistles on high heat, followed by 10 minutes of simmering on low heat. The mixture should be soft and well-cooked.
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Prepare the Kheer: In a large saucepan, combine the cooked dalia and rice with the grated coconut and jaggery. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the jaggery completely dissolves. If the mixture is too thick, add a little water to adjust the consistency.
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Infuse the Milk: While the mixture is heating, add the saffron strands and nutmeg to the milk, allowing them to infuse their flavor. Once the jaggery has dissolved, pour in the infused milk, stirring to combine. Allow the kheer to simmer for a few more minutes to blend all the flavors.
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Add the Nuts: Add the roasted nuts and slivered almonds (or other nuts of your choice) into the kheer, stirring them in to evenly distribute throughout the pudding.
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Serve: Once the kheer reaches your desired consistency, remove it from the heat. Serve the Maharashtrian Gavachi Kheer hot or cold, garnished with additional slivered almonds or your favorite nuts.
Tips:
- If you prefer a sweeter kheer, you can increase the amount of jaggery to suit your taste.
- For a richer flavor, feel free to add a bit more ghee while roasting the dalia and nuts.
- This kheer can be served warm on cold days or chilled in the refrigerator for a refreshing treat during warmer months.
This Maharashtrian Gavachi Kheer is a true celebration of traditional Indian flavors. Its rich, creamy texture combined with the sweet warmth of jaggery, coconut, and spices makes it an irresistible dessert. Enjoy the comforting essence of this homemade pudding with your loved ones and share the warmth of Maharashtrian cuisine.