Mauritian Cooled Kheer
Introduction
Cooled Kheer, also known as "Kheer" in many regions, is a traditional South Asian dessert popular in Mauritius. Derived from the Sanskrit word ‘kshirika,’ which means a dish prepared with milk, this delicacy has been a staple during festivals and celebrations. It's not just a dessert but a symbol of warmth and tradition. Over centuries, Cooled Kheer has seen various adaptations in flavor and cooking methods, each adding to its rich history.
Ingredients
- Rice - 1 cup
- Milk - 4 cups
- Sugar - 1 cup
- Cardamom - 3 pods
- Almonds - 2 tablespoons
- Cashews - 2 tablespoons
- Pistachios - 2 tablespoons
- Saffron - a pinch
- Raisins - 2 tablespoons
- Rose Water - 1 teaspoon
Preparation
The preparation of Mauritian Cooled Kheer requires attention to detail to ensure the perfect silky texture and rich flavor. To start, rinse the rice thoroughly in cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch, preventing the kheer from becoming too thick and sticky.
Cooking Process
Step 1: Cooking the Rice
In a large, heavy-bottomed pan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rinsed rice and cook over medium heat until the rice is tender and most of the water has evaporated.
Step 2: Adding Milk
Once the rice is cooked, reduce the heat to low and pour in the milk. Stir continuously to prevent the milk from burning or sticking to the bottom of the pan. This step takes about 10-15 minutes, allowing the milk to infuse with the flavor of the rice.
Step 3: Flavors and Sweeteners
Add the sugar to the cooking rice and milk mixture. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Next, crush the cardamom pods slightly to release their flavor and add them to the mixture. Continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until the kheer thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 4: Garnishing
While the kheer is thickening, blanch and slice the almonds, cashews, and pistachios. In a separate small pan, gently toast these nuts until they're slightly golden. Add the toasted nuts and saffron strands to the kheer, stirring well.
Cooking Time
The entire cooking process can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on the desired thickness. Make sure to use a cooking timer to keep track of times intervals for perfect results.
Cooling and Serving
After cooking, remove the kheer from heat and allow it to cool. Finally, drizzle rose water over the cooled kheer to enhance the floral aroma. You can choose to serve it immediately or chill it in the refrigerator for a couple of hours for a more refreshing treat.
Enjoying Mauritian Cooled Kheer
Mauritian Cooled Kheer is best enjoyed with friends and family during special occasions or as a sweet treat to end a meal. Its creamy texture and rich taste paired with the delightful crunch of nuts make it a versatile dessert perfect for any celebration.