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Janmashtami, one of the nation's most widely celebrated holidays, is just around the corner, falling on August 26 this year. This holy day originates from the birthplace of the Hindu God Krishna. According to the scriptures, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Lord Krishna in his ninth avatar. It was foretold that Lord Krishna would defeat his uncle Kansa and free Mathura from his tyranny. Krishna also played a crucial role in helping the Pandavas triumph over the Kauravas in the great battle of the Mahabharata.
On this special festival of Janmashtami, people wake up early and prepare various types of Prasad to honour the Lord. Kheer is one of the traditional dishes that is not only offered to Lord Krishna but is also enjoyed by everyone in the house after the puja.
Kheer, also known as rice pudding, is an ancient and simple recipe with many regional names throughout India. Milk is the primary ingredient, but kheer can be made with sabudana, vermicelli, rava, broken wheat, and various other ingredients. In some regions, jaggery (gur) is used to sweeten the dish. Let’s explore some festive renditions.
Rice Kheer
This is a classic and easy pudding to make. Stir the jaggery or sugar into the milk in a pot while you heat the milk into thick consistency. Add the pre-soaked rice and cook it according to the recipe. Add chopped dry fruits and cardamom powder to the kheer once it reaches the desired consistency. Allow it to cool, then chill it in the refrigerator.
Makhana Kheer
During the fasts of Janmashtami and Navratri, makhana, or fox nut, is prepared in several ways. These fox nuts go perfectly with milk and aromatic spices and are crispy and fluffy. You can prepare this fragrant milk custard recipe with just a few simple steps at home. As makhana already has a great topping, other toppings like fruits and nuts are not needed.
Sabudana Kheer
Due to its adaptability, sabudana is another essential food for vrats that is highly valued in Indian homes. Sabudana, also called tapioca pearls, has a texture that resembles globules. And they are also deliciously blended into a rich, aromatic mixture of milk and certain spices.
Fruit Kheer
It does not get more delicious than your favourite fruit in your favourite Indian dessert. Even the pickiest eaters are likely to be won over by the dessert's cool, fruity twist. You must taste the rice cooked with milk, cardamom, sugar, oranges, and almonds. The taste is similar to fruit custard with a rich taste.
Dry Fruits Kheer
Dates and walnuts are a combination made in heaven. Don't trust the combo? Give this kheer a try! The goodness of dates, walnuts, almonds, oats, and fresh cream create this delicious kheer. There are many different textures, and they are simple to make.
Millet Kheer
Want an alternative to rice? Try millet kheer! After thoroughly cleaning the millet, roast it in ghee. Stir in the jaggery and milk. Allow it to simmer. Cardamom powder and dry fruits should be added to the kheer as it thickens. Enjoy it as dessert after letting it cool. It can be consumed for breakfast as well.
Carrots Kheer
Want to hide veggies in your dessert to make it unique? Try carrots! Wash a couple of carrots properly. Then, finely shred them and prepare them using ghee. Add cardamom powder, milk, and a variety of dry fruits after the carrots begin to smell aromatic. Add the carrots and cook until they are soft. Now, switch off the flame and let it cool. Add dry fruits on the top before serving. Much like gajar ka halwa but better!
