Recipe: Kheer Kodom
Ingredients:
For the Rasgulla:
- 1 liter full-fat milk
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup semolina (suji)
- 1/4 cup milk powder
- A pinch of cardamom powder
- A few saffron strands (optional)
For the Kheer (Rice Pudding):
- 1/2 cup Basmati rice
- 1 liter full-fat milk
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- A pinch of cardamom powder
- Chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachios) for garnish
- A few saffron strands (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Making the Rasgulla
- Pour the milk into a heavy-bottomed pan and heat it over medium-high heat.
- When the milk comes to a boil, add the lemon juice and stir gently. The milk will curdle, separating into curds (chhena) and whey.
- Remove the pan from heat as soon as curdling occurs. If it doesn't happen, add a little more lemon juice and gently stir.
- Place a piece of muslin cloth or a clean kitchen towel over a large bowl and strain the curdled milk to separate the whey. Collect the chhena in the cloth.
- Gather the cloth corners and rinse the chhena under cold running water for a few minutes. This removes the lemony flavor.
- Squeeze out any excess water from the chhena. Your chhena is now ready.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chhena, semolina, milk powder, cardamom powder, and saffron strands (if using). Knead this mixture well until it becomes smooth and pliable.
- Divide the mixture into small, equal-sized portions and shape them into smooth balls or elongated cylindrical shapes, known as "Kodom."
Step 2: Preparing the Kheer (Rice Pudding)
- Rinse the Basmati rice thoroughly under running water and soak it in water for 30 minutes.
- Drain the soaked rice.
- In a heavy-bottomed pan, bring the milk to a boil.
- Add the soaked and drained rice to the boiling milk.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the rice simmer in the milk, stirring occasionally. Cook until the rice is soft and the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency. This may take about 30-40 minutes.
- Add sugar and cardamom powder to the rice and milk mixture. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the kheer to thicken further.
Step 3: Assembling Kheer Kodom
- Carefully place the prepared Rasgulla (Kodom) on top of the prepared Kheer.
- Let the Kheer Kodom sit for a while to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Garnishing and Serving
- Garnish with chopped nuts and saffron strands, if desired.
- Serve Kheer Kodom warm or chilled, savoring the harmonious blend of soft Rasgulla with creamy Kheer.
Indulge in the deliciousness of homemade Kheer Kodom, a delightful Bengali dessert that's sure to satisfy your sweet cravings!