Kheer, the quintessential Indian dessert, is a pudding made of milk, jaggery, and rice or other grains. This delicious sweet can be infused with a variety of flavors from saffron to mango. Chana dal ki kheer is a hearty, protein-packed version that uses chana dal (split chickpeas) instead of rice. It has a lovely, nutty aroma and a texture that is luxuriously creamy yet wholesome.In this post, I will share with you my easy-to-make recipe for making chana dal ki kheer at home. This kheer comes together quickly and requires minimal effort but tastes divine. Whether you want to impress guests at a dinner party or simply crave a cozy after-meal treat, this Chana dal kheer or Chana dal payasam will satisfy your sweet tooth most healthily. this Kerala sweet dish is more famous in South India than North India.
Ingredients for Chana Dal ki Kheer
- 1 cup chana dal
- 5 cups full-fat milk
- 1⁄2 cup condensed milk
- 1⁄2 cup jaggery (or to taste)
- 1⁄2 cup chopped cashews
- 1⁄2 cup chopped almonds
- 1⁄4 cup raisins
- 1⁄2 tsp cardamom powder
- 2-3 strands saffron
- 1 tbsp ghee
Chopped nuts like almonds, and pistachios for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the chana dal and soak it in enough water for at least 2 hours. This reduces the cooking time and makes the dal easier to digest.
- Drain the soaked dal and transfer it to a pressure cooker. Add 2 cups water and pressure cook for 5-6 whistles or until the dal is very soft and completely mushy. Mash the cooked dal well with a spoon.
- Take a deep non-stick pan and pour the milk into it. Heat the pan over medium flame, allowing the milk to come to a rolling boil. Then immediately reduce the flame to low and let the milk simmer gently.
- Add the cooked chana dal and condensed milk to the simmering milk. Mix thoroughly.
- Allow the kheer to simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid sticking at the bottom.
- Add jaggery as per taste and mix well. I used 1⁄2 cup jaggery (or to taste) but you can add more or less depending on how sweet you want the kheer.
- Next, add the cardamom powder and saffron. Saffron adds both flavor and a lovely golden hue to the kheer.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes more until the kheer thickens to your preferred consistency. Turn off the heat.
- Lastly, add the ghee and give the kheer a final stir. Ghee adds a lovely aroma.
- Garnish with chopped nuts before serving. You can also add raisins or grated coconut.
Cooking and Prep Time
Pressure cooking dal 10-12 minutes
Simmering kheer 25-30 minutes
Total time Under 3 hours
Tips and Variations
- For a richer taste, use full-fat coconut milk instead of condensed milk
- For a fiber boost, add a few tablespoons of oats along with the chana dal
- Flavor with minced ginger and green cardamom pods while cooking
- Top with fruit like mango pieces or strawberries
- Adjust the amount of jaggery according to preference
- Garnish with silver varq for a festive touch
- Use low-fat milk and sweeten with zero-calorie jaggery substitutes for a diet-friendly option
Serving Suggestions
Chana dal ki kheer makes for a wonderful dessert at dinner parties or festive occasions like Diwali. You can also enjoy it:
- For breakfast, as a protein-rich sweet meal
- As a mid-day snack when you need an energy boost
- As a light and comforting dessert after a spicy meal
- During fasts or religious occasions when non-cereal Kheer is allowed
- Pack it in cute jars as a homemade gift for loved ones
With its nutty flavor and velvety texture, chana dal kheer is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Nutrition Info
Chana dal is packed with protein, fiber, and other nutrients like iron, potassium, and magnesium. When combined with milk, it makes for a relatively healthy dessert option:
- Higher in protein compared to other Kheer recipes
- Low glycemic index, so less likely to cause blood jaggery spikes
- No gluten, so suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance
- Vegan if made with non-dairy milk and condensed milk substitute
- Of course, like other traditional sweets, chana dal kheer should still be enjoyed in moderation. But it's a dessert you can feel good about eating!
FAQs
- Can I make chana dal kheer without condensed milk?
Yes, you can omit the condensed milk entirely. Just use whole milk and adjust the quantity of jaggery to taste.
- Is it okay to use skimmed or low-fat milk?
I recommend using whole-fat milk for the richest taste and creamiest texture. You can use 2% or skim milk, but the kheer may turn slightly thinner.
- What is the best way to thicken the kheer?
Simmering the kheer uncovered for longer helps evaporate the excess moisture and thicken it. You can also use arrowroot starch or cornstarch as a thickening agent.
- Can I use powdered chana dal?
It's best to use whole chana dal, soaked and cooked properly. This gives the nutty flavor and texture. With powdered dal, the kheer may get sludgy.
- How long does Chana Dal Kheer last in the fridge?
It will stay good for 3-4 days refrigerated in an airtight container. Finish off within that time for the best taste.
Conclusion
Chana dal ki kheer is the ultimate comfort food - nutritious, delicious and so simple to make! I hope this easy recipe helps you whip up this hearty Indian dessert for your family and friends. Savor the flavorsome nutty aroma and velvety texture of this wholesome kheer. Make it your go-to after-meal treat or serve it at your next celebration. Let me know in the comments how it turned out!
Chana dal ki kheer Recipe Card
Ingredients:
-
Chana dal ki kheer preparation only needs a few ingredients that are easily available in your pantry or grocery store. Here's what you'll need:
- 1 cup chana dal
- 5 cups full-fat milk
- 1⁄2 cup condensed milk
- 1⁄2 cup jaggery (or to taste)
- 1⁄2 cup chopped cashews
- 1⁄2 cup chopped almonds
- 1⁄4 cup raisins
- 1⁄2 tsp cardamom powder
- 2-3 strands saffron
- 1 tbsp ghee Chopped nuts like almonds, and pistachios for garnish
Instructions:
-
Chana dal ki kheer preparation involves very simple steps that come together to make an incredibly tasty sweet. Follow my detailed instructions to create the perfect Chana dal ki kheer:
- Rinse the chana dal and soak it in enough water for at least 2 hours. This reduces the cooking time and makes the dal easier to digest.
- Drain the soaked dal and transfer it to a pressure cooker. Add 2 cups water and pressure cook for 5-6 whistles or until the dal is very soft and completely mushy.
- Mash the cooked dal well with a spoon.
- Take a deep non-stick pan and pour the milk into it. Heat the pan over medium flame, allowing the milk to come to a rolling boil. Then immediately reduce the flame to low and let the milk simmer gently.
- Add the cooked chana dal and condensed milk to the simmering milk. Mix thoroughly.
- Allow the kheer to simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid sticking at the bottom.
- Add jaggery as per taste and mix well. I used 1⁄2 cup jaggery (or to taste) but you can add more or less depending on how sweet you want the kheer.
- Next, add the cardamom powder and saffron. Saffron adds both flavor and a lovely golden hue to the kheer.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes more until the kheer thickens to your preferred consistency. Turn off the heat.
- Lastly, add the ghee and give the kheer a final stir. Ghee adds a lovely aroma.
- Garnish with chopped nuts before serving. You can also add raisins or grated coconut.
Time (Cooking, Preparation):
- Soaking chana dal 2 hours
- Pressure cooking dal 10-12 minutes
- Simmering kheer 25-30 minutes Total time Under 3 hours
Tips and Variations
-
Here are some of my tips for making foolproof Chana dal ki kheer after years of mastering this recipe:
- For a richer taste, use full-fat coconut milk instead of condensed milk.
- For a fiber boost, add a few tablespoons of oats along with the chana dal.
- Flavor with minced ginger and green cardamom pods while cooking.
- Top with fruit like mango pieces or strawberries.
- Adjust the amount of jaggery according to preference.
- Garnish with silver varq for a festive touch.
- Use low-fat milk and sweeten with zero-calorie jaggery substitutes for a diet-friendly option.
Serve with:
- Chana dal ki kheer makes for a wonderful dessert at dinner parties or festive occasions like Diwali. You can also enjoy it:
- For breakfast, as a protein-rich sweet meal.
- As a mid-day snack when you need an energy boost.
- As a light and comforting dessert after a spicy meal.
- During fasts or religious occasions when non-cereal Kheer is allowed.
- Pack it in cute jars as a homemade gift for loved ones.
Nutrition:
- Chana dal is packed with protein, fiber, and other nutrients like iron, potassium, and magnesium. When combined with milk, it makes for a relatively healthy dessert option:
- Higher in protein compared to other Kheer recipes.
- Low glycemic index, so less likely to cause blood jaggery spikes.
- No gluten, so suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
- Vegan if made with non-dairy milk and condensed milk substitute.
- Of course, like other traditional sweets, chana dal kheer should still be enjoyed in moderation. But it's a dessert you can feel good about eating!
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