Carrot Kheer
Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded carrots, divided
- 4 cups milk, divided
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ¼ tsp crushed green cardamom
- 2 tbsp sliced almonds
Instructions
-
Before shredding the carrot, it should be washed and peel, peeling is an important of preparation. Blend 1 cup of shredded carrots with 1 cup of milk into a fine paste.
-
Bring the remaining milk to a boil over low to medium heat in a saucepan. To prevent the milk from sticking, wet the pan with a little water before adding the milk.
-
Once the milk boils, add the shredded carrots and carrot paste. Continue boiling for about 15 minutes over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Scrape the sides of the pan to prevent sticking and browning.
-
Cook until the carrots are tender, and the milk has reduced by about half, becoming creamy. Stir often to avoid burning.
-
Add sugar, cardamom, almonds, and cashews, and let the mixture simmer for a few more minutes.
-
Turn off the heat.
-
As the kheer cools, it will thicken in texture.
Notes
Enjoy! To serve as a pudding, you should cook the kheer for 2 to 3 more minutes to thicken it, bringing it to a pudding-like texture.
Carrot Kheer (Carrot Payasam): A Delicious Twist on a Timeless Indian Sweet | Manjula’s Kitchen
Introduction to Carrot Kheer
Kheer is one of the most cherished and traditional sweets in Indian cuisine, with its creamy, sweet, and flavorful profile making it a favorite during festivals and special occasions. Carrot Kheeralso known as Carrot Payasamoffers a delightful twist to the traditional rice-based kheer, adding a unique layer of flavor and texture with shredded carrots. Over the years, kheer has seen many variations, and this version brings the earthy sweetness of carrots into the creamy goodness of milk and sugar. With just a few simple ingredients, this Carrot Kheer delivers a rich and flavorful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Cultural and Traditional Importance Kheer holds a special place in Indian households, especially during festivals such as Diwali, Holi, and Raksha Bandhan. It is often served as an offering to deities and enjoyed as a dessert after meals. While Rice Kheer is the most traditional form, Carrot Kheer adds a refreshing twist by incorporating a vegetable into the dessert, making it both nutritious and flavorful. The vibrant color of the carrots combined with the rich texture of milk creates an aesthetically pleasing and indulgent treat that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Although Carrot Kheer may not be as well-known as its rice counterpart, it is quickly gaining popularity for its unique taste and simplicity. This version strikes the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess, making it a must-try for those looking to experiment with traditional Indian sweets.
Recipe Variations from Manjula’s Kitchen While Carrot Kheer is a delightful dessert on its own, you can explore other variations of kheer or similar milk-based sweets from Manjula’s Kitchen:
- Rice Kheer: The classic, most traditional form of kheer made with rice, milk, and sugar.
- Sabudana Kheer: A delicious variation using tapioca pearls, commonly served during fasting periods.
- Vermicelli Kheer (Seviyan Kheer): Made with thin vermicelli noodles, this version offers a unique texture to the traditional kheer.
- Badam Burfi (Almond Candy): Rich and creamy, this version uses almonds to create a decadent dessert that’s both healthy and delicious.
Health Benefits and Dietary Considerations Carrot Kheer offers a nutritious alternative to traditional kheer, with the inclusion of carrots providing a good source of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Carrots are rich in vitamin A, which promotes eye health and boosts immunity, making this kheer not only delicious but also beneficial for overall wellness. Additionally, milk provides calcium and protein, while the nuts add healthy fats, making this dessert a well-rounded treat.
This kheer can be easily adjusted for various dietary preferences. For a vegan option, you can substitute dairy milk with almond or coconut milk. The natural sweetness of the carrots also allows for a reduction in added sugar if you prefer a lighter dessert.
Serving Suggestions
Carrot Kheer can be served warm or chilled, depending on your preference. Its vibrant color and rich flavor make it an attractive addition to any festive meal. For an even more indulgent experience, you can serve Carrot Kheer with a sprinkle of extra chopped nuts, such as almonds or pistachios, for added crunch and richness.
If you want to serve Carrot Kheer as a pudding, cook it for a few more minutes to achieve a thicker, more pudding-like consistency. This version pairs wonderfully with Gulab Jawill or for a complete Indian dessert platter.
Conclusion
Carrot Kheer is a simple yet luxurious dessert that offers a modern twist on the traditional Indian sweet. With its creamy texture, vibrant color, and subtle sweetness, this dessert is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. Whether you’re celebrating a festival or simply want to treat yourself to something special, this Carrot Kheer recipe is a must-try. Explore the other kheer variations on Manjula’s Kitchen to discover even more delicious ways to enjoy this timeless dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the difference between Carrot Kheer and Rice Kheer?
- Carrot Kheer uses shredded carrots as the main ingredient, while Rice Kheer is made with rice. Both versions are cooked in milk and flavored with sugar and cardamom, but Carrot Kheer offers a more vibrant color and slightly different texture.
- Can I make Carrot Kheer vegan?
- Yes, you can easily make Carrot Kheer vegan by using plant-based milk like almond or coconut milk instead of dairy milk.
- What are some other variations of kheer I can try?
- You can try Rice Kheer, Sabudana Kheer, Vermicelli Kheeror Badam Kheereach offering unique flavors and textures while still being deliciously creamy and satisfying.
- How do I serve Carrot Kheer as a pudding?
- To serve Carrot Kheer as a pudding, cook it for 2-3 extra minutes to achieve a thicker consistency, similar to a pudding. You can serve it warm or chilled.
- How long can I store Carrot Kheer?
- Carrot Kheer can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat it gently before serving if you prefer it warm.
