Paneer Kheer

Paneer Kheer is a luxurious and indulgent dessert that’s perfect for Navratras fasting. This creamy kheer is made from paneer (Indian cottage cheese), simmered in a rich and aromatic mixture of milk, sugar, and fragrant spices. The addition of paneer adds a delightful texture and richness to the kheer, making it a decadent treat that’s sure to please your palate. Whether enjoyed warm or chilled, Paneer Kheer is a comforting and satisfying dessert that celebrates the spirit of Navratras fasting with its delicious flavors and creamy goodness.

The allure of Paneer Kheer lies in its simplicity and elegance. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal preparation, you can create a luxurious dessert that’s sure to impress. The combination of creamy paneer, sweetened milk, and aromatic spices creates a harmonious blend of flavors that’s both comforting and indulgent. Whether served as a festive dessert or as a sweet ending to a fasting meal, Paneer Kheer is sure to be a hit among family and friends, adding a touch of decadence to your Navratras celebrations.

Ingredients Required for Making Paneer Kheer

• Paneer (पनीर) – 200 grams, crumbled
• Milk (दूध) – 1 liter
• Sugar (चीनी) – 1/2 cup (adjust according to taste)
• Green cardamom (हरी इलायची) – 3-4 pods, crushed
• Saffron (केसर) – a pinch, soaked in warm milk
• Almonds (बादाम) – 8-10, blanched and sliced
• Pistachios (पिस्ता) – 8-10, sliced
• Raisins (किशमिश) – 2 tablespoons
• Ghee (घी) – 1 tablespoon

Step-wise Process of Making Paneer Kheer

1. Prepare the Paneer: Start by crumbling the paneer into small pieces. You can do this by mashing the paneer with your hands or using a food processor. Set aside.
2. Boil the Milk: In a heavy-bottomed pan, bring the milk to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
3. Simmer with Paneer: Once the milk comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and add the crumbled paneer to the milk. Stir gently to combine and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the paneer is well-incorporated into the milk and the mixture thickens slightly.
4. Add Sugar and Flavorings: Add the sugar, crushed green cardamom pods, soaked saffron (along with the milk), sliced almonds, pistachios, and raisins to the kheer. Mix well and continue to simmer for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely and the kheer reaches the desired consistency.
5. Temper with Ghee: In a small pan, heat ghee over low heat. Once the ghee is hot, add a few sliced almonds and pistachios to it and sauté until they turn golden brown. Pour this tempered mixture over the prepared paneer kheer and mix gently.
6. Serve: Remove the paneer kheer from the heat and let it cool slightly. Serve warm or chilled, garnished with additional sliced almonds and pistachios, if desired.

Number of Servings

This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.

Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Total Time Required

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Important Points to Keep in Mind While Making the Dish

• Consistency: Adjust the amount of milk and sugar according to your preference for the thickness and sweetness of the kheer.
• Paneer Texture: Ensure that the paneer is crumbled finely to blend well with the milk and create a smooth texture.
• Flavorings: Customize the kheer by adding your favorite nuts and spices for added flavor and texture.
• Tempering: The tempering with ghee and nuts adds a delightful aroma and flavor to the kheer, so don’t skip this step.

How to Serve Paneer Kheer

Serve Paneer Kheer warm or chilled as a delightful dessert during Navratras fasting. Garnish with additional sliced almonds and pistachios for a decorative touch. Enjoy this creamy and indulgent kheer as a sweet treat to conclude your fasting meals with a touch of sweetness and satisfaction.

Final Thoughts…

Paneer Kheer is a luxurious and comforting dessert that’s perfect for Navratras fasting. With its rich and creamy texture, fragrant spices, and crunchy nuts, this kheer offers a delightful burst of flavors and textures that’s sure to please your palate. Whether enjoyed warm or chilled, Paneer Kheer is a decadent treat that’s bound to become a favorite among family and friends during the festive season. So, indulge in the goodness of Paneer Kheer and celebrate the joy of Navratras with every spoonful of this delicious dessert.

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