By Akshara
October 15, 2026
Transform simple cottage cheese into a rich, festive dessert with this decadent paneer kheer. Freshly crumbled or grated paneer is simmered in reduced, saffron-infused milk until soft and velvety. Scented with warm cardamom and enriched with toasted nuts, this quick Indian pudding comes together in under twenty minutes and makes a stellar addition to any festive menu or special dinner spread.
200g fresh paneer, finely crumbled or grated  4 cups full-fat milk  1/3 cup sugar  1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder  A generous pinch of saffron strands dissolved in 1 tablespoon warm milk  2 tablespoons mixed chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, and pistachios)  1 teaspoon pure ghee
Boil the milk in a wide, heavy-bottomed pan and simmer on medium heat for ten minutes until it reduces slightly and thickens.
Heat ghee in a small pan and lightly sauté the crumbled paneer for two minutes to remove raw moisture, then set aside.
Add the sautéed paneer, saffron milk, and sugar to the reduced milk, stirring gently to combine.
Simmer on low heat for five to seven minutes until the paneer absorbs the flavours and the kheer turns creamy, then finish with cardamom powder and chopped nuts before serving warm or chilled.