Badaam Kheer

Chilled Almond pudding

Kheer is one of the favorite desserts in India. Kheer is usually made out of milk and sugar along with nuts, rice, semolina and even vegetables sometimes, like in Carrot Kheer. This particular recipe of the Badaam Kheer is a simple version of the traditional kheer. It is a very satisfying dessert after a very flavorful meal. Enjoy.

1 cup Condensed sweetened milk

2 cups 2 % or Whole Milk

1 cup Almond powder

2 tablespoons Golden raisins

1/2 teaspoon Cardamom powder

A pinch of Saffron

Sugar as needed

Add the condensed sweetened milk, milk, and almond powder in a pot and cook on medium heat for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the cardamom powder, saffron and raisins. Add sugar if needed for your desired sweetness. Cook further, stirring constantly till a medium thick and creamy consistency is reached. Chill for 4 to 5 hours. Garnish with sliced almonds. Serve chilled.

Quick tip:

• You can also use the fat free version of the condensed milk.
• Remember to adjust the sweetness since any desert tends to decrease in sweetness when it is cold.

"Saffron" is a flavorful spice that is brilliant orange in color. It is the dried stigmas or strands of the "saffron crocus" flower. It is a favorite amongst gourmet cooks and is used in many Indian desserts, biryanis', pulaos' and meat dishes or curries. Saffron gives the recipe a rich golden color and a rich aromatic flavor. It must be used sparingly or else the dish gets a bitter flavor. It is now available in most grocery stores in the spice asile.