Quinoa Kheer

When talking about rice vs. quinoa, compared to white rice, quinoa has fewer calories and carbs. Hence, it is hugely preferred by many over rice. Quinoa is quite popular because of its health benefits and is thereby made in different forms. From quinoa pulao to quinoa desserts and many more. Quinoa kheer is a super delicious and very interesting dessert that can be made during festivals or small get-togethers.

What is Quinoa Kheer?

Quinoa kheer is the traditional Kheer recipe that is given a modern twist by using quinoa in place of rice. The updated version of this Indian dish will be your favorite. Quinoa Kheer, a dessert loaded with nuts and scented with cardamom and saffron, will quickly become a favorite.

This nutritious treat is a must-try as holidays like Diwali, Dussehra, and Navratri draw near. It is also devoid of excessive sugar and has no gluten. Quinoa kheer is tastier and healthier than traditional kheer, with a rich, creamy texture and saffron flavor.

The family of pseudocereals includes quinoa. It contains a lot of minerals, fiber, and proteins. It can be used in place of rice and is gluten-free. It is absolutely similar to the traditional payasum or kheer.

Paaysum or kheer is one of the simplest one-pot Indian desserts that you can whip up in less than 20 to 30 minutes. Basically, these are prepared with milk or coconut milk that has been infused with jaggery or sugar, flavoring it with freshly ground cardamom powder, and then sprinkling it with ghee or oil-roasted almonds and raisins for added richness and texture. My God! Only by thinking about it my tongue started watering. So, without much more talking, let’s enter the recipe part.

Notable Ingredients At A Glance

Quinoa – I have used white quinoa, which is the most widely accessible variety. Additionally, it cooks very quickly and is reported to be the least bitter variety. Make sure to thoroughly wash and soak the quinoa before cooking.

Milk – Use whole milk that has a higher fat content if possible. You can use oat milk or any other vegan milk in place of conventional milk to produce vegan or dairy-free kheer.

Jaggery/Sugar – Both sugar and jaggery are acceptable for this recipe. However, you can also use other natural sweeteners like coconut sugar.

Cardamoms – For taste and scent, use cardamom. Without it, no Indian dessert is complete.

Dried Fruits and Nuts – I used cashew nuts, raisins, almonds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds, but you may use any type of nut you choose.

How To Prepare Quinoa Kheer?

First, quinoa should be well-washed and rinsed under running water. Give it a 10-minute rest.

Then heat 2 cups of water in a pot; when the water begins to boil, add the quinoa. When the quinoa has absorbed all the water, turn down the heat and continue cooking it on medium. The duration is roughly 8 to 10 minutes.

Once done, remove the cooked quinoa from the heat and set it aside to cool.

Now let’s make the kheer

Heat milk in a heavy-bottomed pan. The milk is heated to a boil, then turn down the heat and simmer it for 10 minutes. On a low burner, whisk the milk continuously until it has been cut in half.

After five to six minutes, add the quinoa and simmer it over low heat while stirring occasionally. The jaggery should completely melt once you add it and stir it well. Mix thoroughly after adding the cardamom seeds.

Finally, add the nuts and dried fruits. Combine everything together and simmer for a minute.

Your Quinoa kheer is now ready to serve, you can serve this kheer warm or chill it in the refrigerator and serve chilled.

Expert Tips To Prepare Quinoa Kheer

• Washing and rinsing the quinoa is an important step that should not be skipped.
• To create vegan quinoa kheer, use oat milk instead of conventional whole milk.
• To prevent burning, coat the bottom and sides of the pot with ghee.
• You can also add saffron for more flavors.