Jau ki Kheer(Barley Pudding) Recipe | Healthy Dessert for Summer
This Jau ki kheer is a traditional Indian dessert made with jau (barley), milk, and desi khand. It's a comforting and creamy pudding-like dish that is loved by all ages. This recipe is not only tasty but also a healthy alternative to traditional rice-based kheer and a nutritious Indian summer dessert recipe for the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole jau 150 gm
- 4 cup water
- 1 ½ cup toned milk
- 50 gm desi khand
- ½ tsp cardamom powder
- Chopped nuts optional
Instructions
- Rinse the barley grains well with water to remove any impurities. Soak them in water for at least 8-10 hours or overnight. Seeds become soft if you press them between your fingers. Drain the water before using.
- In a large saucepan, add 4 cups of water and bring it to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and add soaked jau.
- Cook them on low medium heat with stirring in between till soft but tender. It will take around 10-15 minutes.
- Now add milk to it and, mix well cook further till they absorbed all the milk and become very soft in texture. This step will take around another 8-10 minutes.
- At that time add khand and cardamom powder and cook further for 2-3 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the kheer thickens slightly.
- If you want a thin consistency kheer add more milk and cook till the required consistency is reached.
- Remove the kheer from heat and let it cool down to room temperature. It will thicken further as it cools. You can serve the kheer chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference.
- In a small pan, lightly roast the chopped nuts until they turn golden brown and emit a fragrant aroma. Keep them aside for garnishing.
- Garnish the Jau ki Kheer with the roasted nuts. You can also add a few saffron strands for additional flavor and a sprinkle of rose petals for an elegant touch.
- Your delicious Jau ki Kheer is now ready to be served. Enjoy its creamy texture, the nuttiness of the barley, and the delightful flavors of cardamom and saffron. It makes for a comforting and healthy dessert option that can be enjoyed on special occasions or as a sweet treat at any time.
Video
Notes
- Soaking the barley grains before cooking helps soften them and reduces the cooking time. Soak the grains in water for 2-3 hours or overnight. Drain the water before using the soaked barley in the kheer.
- Cook the soaked barley separately until it becomes tender. This ensures that the grains are fully cooked and have a pleasant texture in the kheer.
- The amount of sugar required may vary based on personal preference and the natural sweetness of the ingredients. Start with a moderate amount of sugar and adjust according to taste. You can always add more sugar if needed.
- Enhance the flavor of the kheer by adding aromatic ingredients like cardamom powder or a pinch of saffron strands. These spices lend a delightful fragrance to the kheer.
- Jau ki Kheer tends to thicken as it cools. If you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add a little milk while reheating the kheer.
- Add a touch of elegance to your Jau ki Kheer by garnishing it with chopped nuts like almonds, pistachios, or cashews. You can also sprinkle a few strands of saffron on top for a vibrant presentation.
- Jau ki Kheer can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference. Refrigerate it for a few hours before serving if you prefer it chilled, or serve it warm right after cooking.
- Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients to customize the kheer according to your taste. You can add raisins, grated coconut, or a hint of rose water to enhance the flavors.
- If you plan to store the kheer, follow proper storage guidelines as mentioned earlier. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Remember, making Jau ki Kheer is a culinary adventure, and you can adjust the recipe to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy the process of cooking and savor the creamy goodness of this delightful dessert!