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Best Phool Makhana Kheer - Classic Indian dessert recipe for Navratri, Diwali, Karwa Chauth, etc.
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5 from 18 votes

Makhana Kheer - Easy Navratri and Diwali Sweet Recipe

Phool Makhana Kheer or Makhane Ki Kheer is a rich and creamy popular Indian pudding dessert prepared using foxnut (phool makhana), milk, desi ghee, nuts, and flavored with saffron (kesar) and/or cardamom powder. A perfect dessert for the royals.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Desserts, sweets
Cuisine: Indian, north indian
Diet: Vegetarian
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 199kcal
Author: Kushi

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Makhana (Foxnut or Lotus seed)
  • 2 tablespoon Ghee
  • 1 to 2 tablespoon Cashews
  • 1 to 2 tablespoon  Almonds
  • 1 tablespoon  Raisins
  • 1 ½ cups Milk
  • 7 to 8 Saffron strands (kesar)
  • 3 tablespoon Sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon  Cardamom powder (Elaichi)

Instructions

How to make kheer with makhana?

  • In a wide nonstick pan on medium heat, add 1 ½ tablespoon of ghee. Once hot, add makhana and roast it until it is crispy. Keep string for even roasting. Transfer this to a plate and set it aside.
    2 cups Makhana (Foxnut or Lotus seed), 2 tablespoon Ghee
  • In the same pan, add ½ tablespoon of ghee, almonds and cashews, and saute till golden brown. Add raisins and saute for 10 to 15 seconds, and switch off the flame. Transfer it to the plate and set it aside.
    1 to 2 tablespoon Cashews, 1 to 2 tablespoon  Almonds, 1 tablespoon  Raisins
  • In the same pan, add milk and saffron strands and let it come to a boil. Keep stirring during the entire process. Meanwhile, crush half of the roasted makhana with your hands. Check my video on making of kheer with makhana .
    1 ½ cups Milk, 7 to 8 Saffron strands (kesar)
  • Once the milk comes to a boil, add the combination of crushed and whole roasted makhana and simmer for approximately 3 to 5 minutes until the makhana softens and milk thickens.
  • Add sugar and stir until it is dissolved completely.
    3 tablespoon Sugar
  • Next, add roasted nuts, cardamom powder, and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Switch off the flame. Don’t forget to keep stirring to avoid it burning from the bottom.
    ¼ teaspoon  Cardamom powder (Elaichi)
  • You can serve this hot, warm, or cold. Happy Navratri and Diwali.

Video

Notes

  • You can vary the amount of sugar and nuts to taste.
  • The cooking time after you add makhana may vary depending on how wide or deep your pan is and the flame's intensity.
  • If you have leftovers, you can refrigerate for 2 to 3 days. Do not freeze as you have added milk; it may curdle when you reheat.
  • Add whole roasted makhana or a combination of a few crushed and a few whole makhanas like the recipe here. Crushed makhanas impart a unique texture to the dish. You can also simply powder the roasted makhana and add it for a creamier dessert.
  • Thick or thin kheer is a personal choice. You have to proportionate the amount of milk in the recipe and sugar.
  • Remember, any kheer will thicken once it cools down. If you want to thin it down, you will have to add water or milk and adjust accordingly.

Nutrition

Calories: 199kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 36mg | Potassium: 419mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 156IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 148mg | Iron: 1mg