Description
Kheer, a traditional Indian dessert, is essentially a type of pudding made by boiling milk and sugar with various ingredients such as rice, lentils, or, in this case, dates and nuts. Dates and Nuts Kheer is a nutritious variation that substitutes refined sugar with the natural sweetness of dates, making it a healthier choice. This dessert has a creamy, thick texture with a beautiful balance of sweetness, richness, and crunch from the nuts.
Ingredients
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Mixed Nuts: 2 cups (cashews, almonds, pistachios, walnuts, hazelnuts)
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Dates: 10-12 pitted dates (preferably Medjool or soft varieties)
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Milk: 4-5 cups warm milk
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Sugar: ¾ cup (optional – dates provide natural sweetness)
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Ghee: 2 tablespoons
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Cardamom Powder: 1 teaspoon
Instructions
Method 1: Traditional Approach
- Prepare dates: Deseed dates and soak in ½ cup warm milk for 20 minutes
- Roast nuts: Heat ghee in a pan, roast mixed nuts until golden and aromatic
- Blend mixture: Combine soaked dates, nuts, and milk in a blender until smooth
- Cook kheer: Pour mixture into a heavy-bottomed pan, add remaining milk, cook on medium heat stirring continuously
- Add flavoring: Add cardamom powder and cook until desired consistency is reached (30-40 minutes total)
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped nuts and serve hot or chilled
Method 2: No-Sugar Healthy Version
- Soak ingredients: Pit dates and figs, soak in water for 30 minutes
- Roast nuts: Toast mixed nuts in ghee until golden
- Blend base: Blend soaked dates, figs, and nuts with some milk until smooth
- Cook: Add to remaining milk, cook until thick, add cardamom and salt
Notes
This Dates and Nuts Kheer is a naturally sweet, nutritious twist on traditional kheer—perfect for festive occasions or as a wholesome dessert. Serve it warm or chilled, and feel free to top with extra chopped nuts or a dash of cardamom for added richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 150 ml)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: Low
Keywords: Dates and Nuts Kheer