How to Make Kheer in Microwave

Milk. It seems so commonplace in everyday life, but it assumes a special significance on religious occasions. In Hinduism, cow’s milk is symbolic of purity and sustenance, and hence is the key ingredient in a variety of puja offerings. The third day of Navratri, Tritiya, is dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta, her golden form a vision of beauty, charm and grace. When Lord Shiva arrived to marry her, his baraat (bridal procession) included creatures like goblins, ghosts and hermits. Maa took this comely form and asked Lord Shiva to transform into a princely groom to win over her family, who were terrified of the grim ascetic. Out of love, he obliged.

Maa has a fondness for kheer or milky dessert, and it is believed that offering kheer or sweets made from milk to her will banish sorrow and pain in life. Our recipe for today uses a combination of almond-cashew paste and condensed milk for rich, delicious kheer. Try it, enjoy it and get set to reap the rewards!

Preparation time: 20 min                     

Cooking time: 22 min

Servings: 4 portions

Ingredients:

• 30 almonds
• 4.5 cups milk
• Half tin condensed milk
• 15 cashew nuts
• Almond essence, a few drops
• 1 tsp cornstarch

Preparation:

1. Blanch almonds in hot water at 100% micropower for 6 min. Let rest for 10 min, then drain and peel them. Set aside a few slivered almonds for garnishing.

2. Soak the remaining almonds and cashew nuts in one cup of hot milk for about half an hour. Grind to a smooth paste.

3. Heat the remaining milk with cornstarch slurry at 50% micropower for 8 min. After milk comes to a boil, add the condensed milk and stir. Add the almond-cashewnut paste and heat at 50% micropower for 8 min.

4. Remove from heat and add almond essence. Garnish with almond slivers and serve hot or cold.