India > Indian Desserts > Kheer

Chhena Kheeri with Cardamom Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 liter of whole milk
- 1/4 cup of lemon juice
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cardamom
- 1/4 cup of chopped pistachios
- 1/4 cup of raisins

Special equipment needed:
- Cheesecloth
- Large pot
- Mixing bowl
- Strainer
- Serving bowls

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a large pot, bring the milk to a boil over medium heat.

2. Once the milk comes to a boil, turn off the heat and add the lemon juice. Stir gently until the milk curdles and the whey separates.

3. Line a strainer with cheesecloth and pour the curdled milk through it. Rinse the cheese under cold water to remove any lemon flavor.

4. Gather the cheesecloth and squeeze out any excess water from the cheese. Transfer the cheese to a mixing bowl.

5. Add the sugar and ground cardamom to the mixing bowl and mix well.

6. Divide the mixture into serving bowls and let it cool in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

7. Once the Chhena Kheeri is chilled, top it with chopped pistachios and raisins.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 8g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Lemon juice can be substituted with vinegar or citric acid.
- Sugar can be substituted with honey or maple syrup.
- Pistachios can be substituted with almonds or cashews.
- Raisins can be substituted with dried cranberries or apricots.

Variations:
- Add saffron strands to the mixture for a richer flavor and color.
- Top with fresh fruit such as mango or strawberries.
- Use coconut milk instead of whole milk for a vegan version.

Tips and tricks:
- Be gentle when stirring the curdled milk to avoid breaking the cheese.
- Use a non-reactive pot to avoid any metallic taste in the Chhena Kheeri.
- Chill the serving bowls before adding the mixture to keep it cool.

Storage instructions:
- Store the Chhena Kheeri in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Serve the Chhena Kheeri chilled and do not reheat.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the Chhena Kheeri in small bowls or cups.
- Garnish with chopped pistachios and raisins.

Pairings:
- Serve with a cup of chai tea or coffee.

Suggested side dishes:
- Serve with naan bread or papadum.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the milk does not curdle, add more lemon juice or vinegar.
- If the Chhena Kheeri is too sweet, reduce the amount of sugar.

Food safety advice:
- Use pasteurized milk to avoid any harmful bacteria.

Food history:
- Chhena Kheeri is a traditional Indian dessert that originated in the state of Odisha.

Flavor profiles:
- Sweet, creamy, and aromatic with a hint of cardamom.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a dessert after a meal.

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Region: Indian

Taste: Sweet, Creamy, Nutty, Aromatic