Pahadon Ki Special Kheer Recipe – Traditional Himalayan Sweet Delight
Pahadon Ki Special Kheer Recipe – Traditional Himalayan Sweet Delight
The food of the Indian mountains is known for its simplicity, purity, and deep connection with nature. Unlike heavily spiced dishes of the plains, pahadi cuisine focuses on natural flavors, slow cooking, and locally sourced ingredients. One of the most cherished traditional sweets from the hills is Pahadon Ki Special Kheer.
This kheer is different from regular rice pudding. It is often prepared using local mountain rice, sometimes flavored with jaggery instead of refined sugar, and enriched with dry fruits and desi ghee. Cooked slowly over a low flame, this dessert captures the warmth and comfort of Himalayan homes. Whether served during festivals, religious ceremonies, or family gatherings, this kheer represents love, tradition, and simplicity.
Let’s learn how to prepare this authentic mountain-style kheer at home.
Pahadon Ki Special Kheer Recipe
Preparation Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
50 minutes
Total Time:
1 hour 5 minutes
Servings:
4–5 people
Ingredients
- ½ cup traditional mountain rice (or basmati rice)
- 1 liter full cream milk
- ½ cup jaggery (grated) or sugar
- 1 tablespoon desi ghee
- 8–10 almonds (chopped)
- 8–10 cashews (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon raisins
- ½ teaspoon cardamom powder
- Few saffron strands (optional)
- 1 tablespoon grated dry coconut (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts (optional, traditional hill touch)
Why This Kheer is Special?
Pahadi kheer stands out because:
- It uses slow cooking method.
- Jaggery is often preferred over sugar.
- Desi ghee adds depth of flavor.
- Local nuts like walnuts are included.
- The texture is slightly thicker and more rustic.
This dessert is commonly prepared in hill regions of states like Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, where dairy products are fresh and pure, giving the kheer a naturally rich taste.
Step-by-Step Cooking Method
Step 1: Wash and Soak the Rice
Wash the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear. Soak it for about 20–30 minutes. Soaking helps the rice cook evenly and become soft.
Step 2: Boil the Milk
In a heavy-bottomed pan, bring the milk to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the flame to low. Slow cooking is the key to authentic pahadi flavor.
Step 3: Add Rice
Drain the soaked rice and add it to the milk. Stir well to prevent sticking.
Cook on low flame for 30–35 minutes. Stir occasionally. As the rice cooks, it will release starch and thicken the milk naturally.
Step 4: Prepare the Dry Fruits
Heat desi ghee in a small pan. Lightly roast almonds, cashews, and walnuts. Add raisins at the end and sauté for a few seconds.
This roasting step enhances aroma and gives the kheer a traditional hill-style richness.
Step 5: Sweetening the Kheer
Once the rice is fully cooked and milk thickens, turn off the flame and allow it to cool slightly.
If using jaggery, make sure the kheer is not extremely hot while adding it, as jaggery may curdle the milk. Add grated jaggery and mix well until dissolved.
If using sugar, you can add it while the kheer is still cooking.
Step 6: Final Flavoring
Add cardamom powder, roasted dry fruits, saffron (if using), and grated coconut. Mix gently and simmer for another 3–4 minutes.
Your Pahadon Ki Special Kheer is ready!
Traditional Serving Style
In mountain homes, kheer is often served:
- Warm during winter evenings
- Slightly chilled in summer
- In steel or brass bowls
- Garnished with chopped nuts
It is commonly prepared during:
- Festivals
- Religious offerings (prasad)
- Family gatherings
- Harvest celebrations
Tips for Authentic Mountain Flavor
- Always cook on low flame for rich taste.
- Use fresh full cream milk.
- Prefer jaggery for traditional flavor.
- Add walnuts for authentic hill touch.
- Do not rush the cooking process.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 18g
Variations You Can Try
- Mandua (Ragi) Kheer: Use finger millet flour for a healthy twist.
- Jhangora Kheer: Replace rice with barnyard millet (traditional hill grain).
- Coconut Milk Version: Add some coconut milk for a different flavor.
- Dry Fruit Rich Version: Increase nuts quantity for festive occasions.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Simple yet rich
- Traditional and authentic
- Perfect for festivals
- Comfort food for all age groups
- Easy ingredients
This Pahadi Special Kheer is more than just a dessert — it is a bowl full of warmth, tradition, and nostalgia.
✨
