Ingredients & Measurements
Carefully curated and proportioned for authentic flavor balance. Adjust chillies and salt to your personal taste.
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp ghee (घी)
- ¼ cup almonds (बादाम)
- ¼ cup cashews (काजू)
- ½ cup makhana (मखाना)
- ½ litre milk (दूध)
- ¼ cup + 1 tbsp sugar (चीनी)
- ½ tsp cardamom powder (इलाइची पाउडर)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
-
1
• Heat ghee in a pan and lightly roast almonds and cashews until golden. Remove and keep aside.
-
2
• In the same pan, roast makhana until crisp. Let it cool, then lightly crush (keep some whole for texture).
-
3
• In a kadhai, bring milk to a boil and let it simmer for a few minutes.
-
4
• Add roasted makhana and cook on low flame, stirring occasionally till it softens.
-
5
• Add sugar, roasted nuts, and cardamom powder. Mix well and cook for another 3–5 minutes.
-
6
• Serve warm or chilled, as preferred.
-
7
{kunal kapur, navratri kheer recipe, makhana kheer, vrat dessert, fasting recipes Indian, sattvik sweets, fox nuts kheer, easy navratri recipes, kunal kapur recipes, Indian dessert recipes, vrat special dessert, makhana recipes, festive Indian sweets}
Chef Kunal's Pro Secret Tip
For traditional Indian sweets and halwas, always roast nuts and aromatics in pure desi ghee over a gentle flame. If reducing milk for kheer or rabri, use a heavy-bottomed kadhai and scrape the sides regularly to develop rich, caramelized creaminess.
Recipe FAQs & Expert Advice
How long can I store leftover Makhana Kheer Recipe?
You can store leftovers in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. When reheating, warm on medium-low heat on the stovetop and add 2–3 tablespoons of warm water if the gravy has thickened in the fridge.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Simply substitute dairy ghee/butter with mustard oil or neutral cooking oil, and replace milk/curd with coconut milk or cashew cream where applicable.
What is the key technique to get restaurant-style flavor in this dish?
Focus on blooming whole spices in hot oil first, patiently sautéing the onion-tomato masala until oil separates, and finishing with a pinch of crushed roasted kasoori methi and freshly ground garam masala right before serving.