Badam Kheer/ Almond Kheer

Badam Kheer (Almond Kheer) is a very simple and a festival drink/dessert. In this drink, milk is blend with nuts and saffron. Saffron gives a beautiul yellow colour, unqiue flavour and aroma. Cardamom gives sweetness to it. It can be made for any occasion and it is my family's favourite drink. 

All you need is:

Milk - 2 1/2 cup

Almonds - 15

Cardamom pods - 2 nos  

Sugar - 3 - 4 tsp (as per your taste)

Saffron - 5-6 strands

For Garnishing:

Tiny pieces of Badam - 1 teaspoon

Saffron - 3-4 strands

So easy to prepare:

Soak the almonds overnight or for about 10 minutes in hot water. Blanch the almonds and grind it smooth using 2-3 tablespoons of milk. In a heavy bottom pan, boil the milk in medium flame. Stir it often to avoid burning. Now add the almond paste, sugar, smashed cardamom pods and saffron strands. Boil it or another 4-5 minutes by stirring often. Turn of the flame. 

Garnish with Badam and saffron. Serve it hot or chill. 

You may consider:

1. If you don't have cardamom pods, you can use 1/4 tsp cardamom powder.
2. Pistachios can also be added to give a rich flavour. In that case, soak it overnight and grind it along with almonds.