Healthy Barley Kheer: A Delicious & Nutritious Indian Dessert
40 minutes
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About Healthy Barley Kheer: A Delicious & Nutritious Indian Dessert
This Barley Kheer recipe offers a delightful twist on a classic Indian dessert, making it healthier and more appealing to children and adults alike. Barley, a nutritional powerhouse, adds a subtly sweet and chewy texture, while the traditional spices create a comforting warmth.Unlike many creamy desserts, this version uses a balanced blend of milk and coconut milk for a lighter feel, without compromising on flavor. It's surprisingly easy to prepare, requiring minimal cooking time and simple ingredients.Perfect for a special occasion or a healthy weeknight treat, this Barley Kheer is a delicious way to incorporate wholesome grains into your diet. The recipe is easily adaptable; feel free to experiment with your favorite nuts and dried fruits!
Recipe Time & More
Prep10 minutes
Cook30 minutes
Total40 minutes
Ingredients
Dairy & Liquids
- 1 cup Milk
- 1/2 cup Coconut Milk
Grains & Sweetener
- 1/2 cup Pearl Barley rinse thoroughly before using
- 1/4 cup Jaggery grated or finely chopped
Spices & Flavorings
- 1/2 tsp Cardamom Powder
Instructions
Prepare the Barley
- Soak 1/2 cup of pearl barley in 1/2 cup of warm water for at least 15 minutes, or until softened.
Cook the Kheer
- In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup of milk to a gentle simmer. Add the soaked barley and stir frequently to prevent sticking. Reduce heat to low and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the barley is tender (about 20-25 minutes).
Add the Flavor
- Stir in the grated jaggery, cardamom powder, and optional ground cinnamon. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, or until the jaggery dissolves completely and the mixture slightly thickens.
Finishing Touches
- Stir in the coconut milk, raisins, dried fruits, and shredded coconut. Cook for 1 minute more. Remove from heat and let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve & Enjoy
- Serve warm or chilled. Garnish with extra shredded coconut or chopped nuts, if desired.
Recipe Notes
Expert Tips for the Perfect Barley Kheer
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat milk and coconut milk.
- Adjust the amount of jaggery to your preferred level of sweetness.
- If you don’t have jaggery, you can substitute with brown sugar or honey, but the flavor will be slightly different.
- To enhance the creamy texture, you can blend a portion of the cooked kheer before adding the coconut milk.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 361kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 12gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 105mgPotassium: 602mgFiber: 4gSugar: 26gVitamin A: 422IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 337mgIron: 2mg
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This looks amazing! Thanks for sharing.
Looks so yummy! Excited to make it.
Looks so delicious! Thanks for the recipe.