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Kheer Ladoo Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 69 reviews

Kheer Ladoo is a delectable Indian dessert made by blending creamy rice pudding with a rich cashew cream, then shaped into bite-sized balls and coated with a variety of toppings like toasted coconut, nuts, and dried fruits. This traditional sweet treat combines the delicate flavors of cardamom and saffron, making it a perfect festive indulgence or a special homemade delight for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Rice Base

  • ½ cup white basmati rice
  • 1 to 2 green cardamom pods
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 ½ cups water (or 1 ½ cups if using Instant Pot method)
  • Pinch of salt

Cashew Cream

  • 1 cup raw cashews (soaked at least 15 minutes in warm water)
  • 1 ½ cups water
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • ¼ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
  • ¾ teaspoon ground cardamom
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Mix-Ins and Toppings

  • ½ teaspoon oil
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cashews
  • 2 tablespoons raisins (or chopped dates)
  • Shaved chocolate
  • Crushed pistachios
  • Toasted coconut flakes
  • Cocoa powder (mixed with some cinnamon)
  • Almond slivers
  • Rose petals
  • Melted chocolate

Instructions

  1. Prepare the rice: Wash the basmati rice thoroughly and soak it in water for at least 10 minutes. Drain well.
  2. Cook the rice: In a saucepan, combine the soaked rice, sugar, 2 ½ cups water (or 1 ½ cups if using Instant Pot), pinch of salt, and crushed green cardamom seeds (remove seeds from pods, crush seeds coarsely). Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to medium-low, partially cover, and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes until the rice is very soft and nearly dissolving.
  3. Instant Pot option: Place rice, sugar, crushed cardamom seeds, salt, and 1 ½ cups water into the Instant Pot. Pressure cook on high for 15 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally before opening the lid.
  4. Make cashew cream: Drain soaked cashews and add to a blender with 1 ½ cups water, cornstarch, sugar, ground cardamom, and salt. Blend for 1 minute, then let sit for 5 minutes. Blend again for 30 seconds, repeating if necessary, until the mixture becomes very smooth and creamy.
  5. Combine and thicken kheer: In a skillet over medium-low heat, combine the cooked rice and cashew cream mixture. Stir continuously for 4 to 5 minutes until the mixture thickens evenly and becomes smooth. Adjust sweetness or add extra cardamom or saffron as desired.
  6. Cool the mixture: Remove from heat and allow the kheer to cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for about 1 hour to chill and thicken further.
  7. Prepare mix-ins (optional): Heat oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add chopped cashews and cook until golden, then add raisins and toast until they puff up. Remove from heat and set aside.
  8. Prepare toppings: Arrange toppings such as toasted coconut flakes (dry-toast coconut flakes over medium-low heat until golden), shaved chocolate, crushed pistachios, cocoa powder mixed with cinnamon, almond slivers, rose petals, and melted chocolate on small plates for coating the ladoos.
  9. Form the ladoos: Grease your hands and scoop chilled kheer portions using an ice cream scoop or spoon. Roll each portion into a ball, then roll in the desired topping to coat thoroughly. Place balls on a serving plate or container.
  10. Store and serve: Refrigerate the prepared ladoos until ready to serve. They keep well for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Avoid freezing as the rice texture will deteriorate.

Notes

  • The recipe offers an Instant Pot method which shortens rice cooking time and convenience.
  • Adjust sugar levels according to your sweetness preference.
  • Additional flavorings like saffron can be added for a more aromatic and rich taste.
  • Mix-ins like toasted nuts and fruits can either be folded into the pudding before chilling or used as fillings inside the ladoos.
  • Do not freeze the ladoos as it will negatively affect the texture of the rice.
  • The toppings and coatings provide a variety of textures and flavors to personalize each ladoo.

Keywords: Kheer Ladoo, Indian dessert, rice pudding balls, cashew cream, cardamom sweets, festive ladoos, vegetarian dessert

Find it online: https://thehungrymason.com/kheer-ladoo-recipe/