Saffron-infused Tapioca Kheer
Saffron-infused Tapioca Kheer is a delightful Indian dessert that combines the delicate pearls of tapioca with creamy milk, aromatic spices, and sweet saffron. This traditional dessert, often enjoyed during festivals and special occasions, offers a rich and comforting experience. The kheer is enhanced by the warmth of crushed green cardamom and the texture of soaked raisins, making it a perfect sweet dish to celebrate life’s milestones. Topped with sliced almonds for a nutty crunch, this kheer is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a visual delight.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Raisins
1 tablespoon (Wash and soak in water.)
Pearl Tapioca
1 cup (Wash under cold running water.)
Milk
3 cups (Use fresh whole milk for creaminess.)
Water
1 cup (Used to cook the tapioca.)
Sugar
1/2 cup (Granulated sugar.)
Green Cardamoms
2 (Crushed.)
Saffron
1 pinch (Soaked in warm milk (optional step).)
Blanched Almonds
6 (Slice thinly for garnish.)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the raisins in cold water. Soak them in a small bowl of water for about 15-20 minutes to plump them up.
2
Thoroughly wash the pearl tapioca in a sieve under cold running water to remove excess starch.
3
In a medium saucepan, combine the washed tapioca with 3 cups of milk and 1 cup of water. Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the tapioca pearls become translucent and tender.
4
Once the tapioca is soft, stir in the sugar until fully dissolved. Allow the mixture to simmer gently.
5
Crush the green cardamoms and add them to the saucepan, along with the saffron (if using) and the drained raisins. Mix well to incorporate.
6
Let the mixture continue simmering until it reaches a creamy, oatmeal-like consistency, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
7
Once ready, carefully transfer the kheer into a serving bowl.
8
Slice the blanched almonds and sprinkle them generously over the top of the kheer for added texture and flavor.
9
Serve the Saffron-infused Tapioca Kheer warm, and enjoy this rich, delightful dessert.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Saffron-infused Tapioca Kheer?
It is a traditional Indian dessert featuring tapioca pearls cooked in creamy milk with aromatic saffron, cardamom, and raisins.
How do I prepare the raisins for this recipe?
Rinse the raisins in cold water and soak them in a small bowl of water for about 15-20 minutes to plump them up.
What is the first step in cleaning the pearl tapioca?
Thoroughly wash the pearl tapioca in a sieve under cold running water to remove any excess starch before cooking.
How much milk and water is needed to cook the tapioca?
You will need to combine 1 cup of washed tapioca with 3 cups of milk and 1 cup of water in a saucepan.
How do I know when the tapioca pearls are cooked?
The tapioca pearls are ready when they become translucent and tender while cooking over medium heat.
When should the sugar be added to the kheer?
Add the 1/2 cup of granulated sugar once the tapioca has become soft, and stir until it is fully dissolved.
How should the green cardamoms be prepared?
The two green cardamoms should be crushed before being added to the saucepan for maximum flavor infusion.
Is there a specific way to prepare the saffron?
While you can add it directly, an optional step is to soak the pinch of saffron in warm milk before adding it to the kheer.
What is the ideal final consistency of the kheer?
The mixture should be simmered until it reaches a creamy, oatmeal-like consistency.
How do I garnish the Saffron-infused Tapioca Kheer?
Top the dessert with six blanched almonds that have been thinly sliced for a nutty crunch.
Should the kheer be served warm or cold?
The recipe recommends serving the Saffron-infused Tapioca Kheer warm to enjoy its rich, comforting flavor.
How do I prevent the kheer from sticking to the pan?
Stir the mixture occasionally throughout the cooking process, especially while it is simmering to reach its creamy consistency.
What type of milk is recommended for this recipe?
Fresh whole milk is recommended to achieve the best creaminess in this dessert.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 8 ingredients: raisins, pearl tapioca, milk, water, sugar, green cardamoms, saffron, and blanched almonds.
Is this dessert suitable for special occasions?
Yes, it is a traditional dessert often enjoyed during Indian festivals and special milestones.
What is the quantity of raisins used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of raisins, which should be washed and soaked.
Can I use granulated sugar?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1/2 cup of granulated sugar.
What type of tapioca is used in this kheer?
The recipe specifically uses 1 cup of pearl tapioca.
When do I add the raisins to the mixture?
The drained raisins are added to the saucepan along with the crushed cardamoms and saffron after the sugar has dissolved.
Is the saffron a mandatory ingredient?
While the recipe is named for it, the saffron is noted as optional, though it provides significant aroma and color.
What does rinsing the tapioca achieve?
Rinsing removes excess starch, which helps keep the pearls distinct and prevents the kheer from becoming overly gummy.
How long does it take to soak the raisins?
The raisins should be soaked in water for 15 to 20 minutes.
What heat setting should I use to cook the tapioca?
The tapioca mixture should be cooked over medium heat.
Can I use water to cook the tapioca alone?
No, the recipe calls for a combination of 3 cups of milk and 1 cup of water for a creamy result.
How many green cardamoms are in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 green cardamoms.
What is the texture of the almonds used for garnish?
The blanched almonds provide a nutty crunch and should be sliced thinly.
Is this kheer considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a rich and comforting experience, perfect for celebrating life's milestones.
How do I ensure the saffron is well incorporated?
After adding the saffron, mix the contents of the saucepan well to ensure the color and flavor are evenly distributed.
What category of food does this belong to?
This dish is classified as a dessert and more specifically as an Indian sweet.
How much saffron should I use?
A single pinch of saffron is sufficient to infuse the kheer with flavor and color.