Today marks the official start of the prominent Indian festival season. Anyone who grew up in an Indian household will tell you that this is also the start of delicious but high-calorie Indian food. My family – they don’t pamper you unless you are stuffed with food. These genes are evident in me. Although kheer is a favorite of mine, I don’t have the stomach for it. However, this Healthy Quinoa Apple Kheer – I am guilty of eating a few spoonfuls of it at breakfast today.
This healthy quinoa apple and kheer resulted from War and Cheese, prompting me to create a Dussehra recipe. I was stumped. Because it was loaded with ghee, I didn’t want to make a dessert we wouldn’t eat. After a long brainstorming session with my mum, there were many great ideas that I wanted to try. However, I needed more time. War and Cheese suggested that I try Quinoa. I was thrilled! This superfood is probably not something I would have thought of, but it was a fantastic idea.
It’s also healthier than traditional Indian sweets, a big plus! If you’re like me and want to be part of all the festival fun but are wary about eating ghee-laden desserts, then this healthy quinoa kheer might be what you need. You can find me on Facebook or Twitter to tell me that you love this idea just as much as me. You can also reach me on Instagram to become instant friends.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups Quinoa cooked
One tablespoon Ghee
1 Apple finely chopped
750ml milk skim
8-10 Saffron strands
One teaspoon Cardamom chopped
1/4 cup Sugar
Two tablespoons Pistachios Chopped
For the topping, slice apples
Instructions
- Heat the ghee in a saucepan and add the finely chopped apple pieces. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the apples are softened. Then add Quinoa and milk, saffron, and Cardamom.
- Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 35-40 mins until the milk has reduced by approximately one-third and the kheer has thickened. If you want your kheer to be thick, you can simmer it for longer.
- Stir in the sugar until well combined. Allow to cool to room temperature, and then let refrigerate in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
- Serve chilled with apple slices and chopped pistachios.
Notes
Wash it under running water to get rid of saponin, which can make bitter quinoa tasting. Quinoa is a very absorbent plant. It can also take a lot of water. How can I tell? Umm guess
