Vermicelli kheer
The name, Kheer, is derived from the Sanskrit word for milk, ksheer - this is also the archaic name for rice pudding. It is a chilled south asian dessert, made from slow-cooked rice, milk and sugar - very like rice pudding. Rice can be substituted for daal, bulgar wheat, millet, tapioca, vermicelli and sweetcorn. It was a part of the ancient Indian diet.
Here I’ve used vermicelli, making this vermicelli kheer, but you could swap it out for any other grain.
Typical flavourings
Saffron, cardamom, raisins, desiccated coconut, nuts (especially pistachios, cashews and almonds)
Method
Heat ghee up in a pan
Add the broken vermicelli
Stir constantly and roast until golden brown
Heat another tbsp ghee in a pan and roast cashews and almonds until light brown, add the raisins (if you’re adding them) and allow to heat up slightly, then set aside
Boil milk in the nut pan - over a medium flame
Add vermicelli to the milk when it starts to boil, stir and cook until soft, for about 5-7 mins - do not overcook
Add sugar, raisins, nuts and cardamom powder. Cook until sugar dissolves and it starts to thicken
Cook for 2-3 mins and turn off the flame, add the rest of the milk and cool to room temp for 5-10 mins
Transfer vermicelli kheer to a large serving bowl, place it in the fridge for at least 30 mins to chill. If its too thick then add more milk
Garnish with more nuts
Notes + Variations:
Research: https://www.indianhealthyrecipes.com/semiya-payasam-recipe/
You should try switching out the nuts and spices for your own!!!
Try this one first to get familiar with it, then go wild.