Meva Kheer

Meva Kheer, also known as dry fruit kheer or dry fruit pudding, is a rich and delicious Indian dessert made with milk, rice, and a variety of dried fruits. This is one of those recipes we were told on a visit to an Indian restaurant in Slough (Berks, UK).

Preparation Time: 10 minutes; Cooking time: 20 minutes; Total time: 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 liter full-fat milk
• 1/2 cup basmati rice
• 1/2 cup mixed dry fruits (such as almonds, cashews, pistachios, raisins)
• 1/2 cup sugar adjusted to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
• 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
• A few strands of saffron for garnishing (optional)
• Chopped nuts for garnishing (optional)

Preparation:

1. Rinse the basmati rice under running water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for about 30 minutes, then drain and set aside.
2. Heat ghee in a thick-bottomed pan or a large saucepan over medium heat.
3. Add the soaked and drained rice to the pan and sauté for a couple of minutes until the rice grains turn slightly golden.
4. Meanwhile, bring the milk to a boil in a separate pot. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer.
5. Add the sautéed rice to the simmering milk and cook on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Cook the rice in milk until it becomes soft and the milk thickens, which will take approximately 30-40 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid scorching at the bottom of the pan.
7. While the rice is cooking, chop the mixed dry fruits into small pieces.
8. In a separate small pan, heat a teaspoon of ghee and lightly roast the dry fruits for a couple of minutes until they turn fragrant. Set them aside.
9. Once the rice is cooked and the kheer has thickened to a desired consistency, add the sugar, cardamom powder, and saffron strands (if using). Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
10. Add the roasted dry fruits to the kheer and mix gently.
11. Let the kheer simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
12. Turn off the heat and allow the Meva Kheer to cool down to room temperature.
13. Once cooled, transfer the kheer to a serving dish and refrigerate for a few hours to chill.
14. Before serving, garnish with saffron strands and chopped nuts, if desired.
15. Serve it chilled and enjoy the creamy, aromatic dessert!

Note: You can adjust the sweetness of the kheer according to your taste by increasing or decreasing the amount of sugar. Additionally, you can also add a few drops of rose water or kewra essence for added flavor.