Sugar free Kheer

Sugar-free kheer with Monq

Ingredients:

• 1 litre full-fat milk (or 500ml full-fat + 500ml almond milk for lighter version)
• 1/4 cup basmati rice (washed and soaked for 30 minutes)
• 3–4 tbsp monq (adjust to your sweetness preference)
• 3–4 crushed cardamom pods (or 1/2 tsp cardamom powder)
• 10-12 cashews, chopped
• 8-10 almonds, sliced thin
• 8-10 pistachios, chopped (optional)
• 1 tbsp raisins (optional)
• 1–2 tbsp rose water or a few strands of saffron (optional, but gives beautiful aroma)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prep

• Wash basmati rice 2–3 times.
• Soak in water for about 30 minutes, then drain.
• Chop all nuts.

Step 2: Start the milk

• In a heavy-bottomed kadai or saucepan, bring milk to a boil.
• Stir occasionally to prevent burning at the bottom.

Step 3: Add rice

• Add the soaked, drained rice into the boiling milk.
• Lower the flame to a gentle simmer.
• Stir every few minutes to avoid sticking.

Important:
Kheer is all about slow cooking.
Let the rice cook slowly and the milk reduce for about 30–40 minutes.

Step 4: Flavor

• Add cardamom powder and saffron (if using) halfway through.
• Keep stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Sweeten

• Once rice is soft and milk has thickened:
• Add monq.
• Mix well and cook for another 5 minutes.

Note:
Do not add monq too early — it can lose sweetness if boiled too long.

Step 6: Nuts

• Add chopped almonds, cashews, pistachios, raisins (if using).
• Stir.

Step 7: Finish

• Turn off heat.
• Add rose water if using.
• Let it sit for 10 minutes — it will thicken more as it cools.

Serving suggestions:

• Serve warm for cozy feels or chilled for summer vibes.
• Garnish with extra nuts and a few saffron strands before serving.

Macros (per small bowl, approx):

• Calories: ~150 kcal
• Net carbs: ~12g
• Protein: ~5g
• Fat: ~7g

Pro tips:

• For extra richness, add 1-2 tbsp malai (milk cream) at the end.
• You can also try making it with quinoa or millets for healthier variations — just replace rice 1:1.
• Adjust monq to taste — some like it mildly sweet, some like more mithaas!