Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Prepare Saffron Milk

   Lightly grind a pinch of saffron strands and add 2 tablespoons of warm milk to it. Set aside for later use.

2. 2.Roast Dry Fruits

   Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee in a pan. Add 10-12 almonds and roast them lightly. Then add 10-12 pistachios and continue roasting. Finally, add 10-12 raisins and roast briefly until they puff up slightly. Ensure dry fruits do not burn. Remove and set aside.

3. 3.Roast Makhana

   In the same pan, add 50-60 grams of makhana. Roast on high flame for about 1 minute, stirring continuously until the pan is hot. Then reduce the flame to low and continue roasting for 7-8 minutes until the makhana becomes crispy. Check by crushing one; it should break easily. Carefully remove any hard black bits from the makhana. Remove from pan and let cool.

4. 4.Reduce Milk

   Pour 1 liter of full-fat milk into a deep pot. Bring the milk to a rolling boil over high heat, stirring occasionally. Once it boils, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring frequently, until the milk reduces by approximately 20% (this will take about 10 minutes).

5. 5.Prepare Makhana for Kheer

   Once the roasted makhana has cooled slightly, roughly grind or break it into pieces. Some can be powdered, and some can remain in larger chunks for texture. Reserve a few whole makhana for garnish if desired.

6. 6.Cook Makhana in Milk

   Add the broken makhana to the reduced milk. Increase the flame to high and cook for 2 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent boiling over. Then reduce the flame to low and continue cooking for 10-15 minutes, or until the makhana softens and the kheer thickens to a rabri-like consistency.

7. 7.Add Dry Fruits and Sweetener

   Add the roasted and chopped dry fruits to the kheer. Then add 1/4 cup (approx. 50g) of sugar and mix well until dissolved.

8. 8.Flavor the Kheer

   Pour in the prepared saffron milk. Observe how the color of the kheer changes. Add 1/2 teaspoon of kewra water, mix thoroughly, cover the pot, and let it cook for another 5 minutes on low heat.

9. 9.Serve Makhana Kheer

   Your super healthy and delicious Makhana Kheer is now ready. Serve warm or chilled, garnished with reserved whole makhana and a few extra dry fruit slivers.