Orange Kheer (Santare Ki Kheer) : Childhood favourite

Orange Kheer or Payasam - A Healthy, Creamy Winter Delight

As the cold winter months approach, it's the perfect time to indulge in a comforting dessert that’s both healthy and indulgent. Orange Kheer, or Santare Ki Kheer, combines the creamy richness of traditional kheer with the refreshing tanginess of fresh oranges. This unique dessert strikes the perfect balance between sweet and citrusy, offering a nourishing and flavorful treat for the entire family.

Packed with Vitamin C from the oranges, antioxidants from saffron, and the goodness of full-fat milk without any refined sugar and roasted nuts, Orange Kheer is an ideal dessert to boost immunity while satisfying your sweet tooth. Here's a step-by-step guide to preparing this unique winter dessert.

    Watch the recipe our YouTube Channel! Orange Kheer Recipe Video

 

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Why You’ll Love Orange Kheer

• Vitamin-Rich: Oranges are packed with Vitamin C, which helps fight off winter colds and strengthens the immune system.
• Creamy Texture: The combination of full-fat milk and roasted nuts creates a rich, creamy base that complements the citrusy flavor of the oranges.
• Easy to Make: This dessert requires minimal prep and cooking time, and the result is an indulgent dish that can be served chilled.

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Ingredients for Orange Kheer (Santare ki Kheer)

• 1 litre full-fat milk
• 1/4 cup roasted and chopped mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios)
• 4 tablespoons khandasari (unrefined sugar)
• 3-4 oranges (pulp removed carefully, without squeezing juice)
• 3-4 strands of saffron (soaked in warm milk)
• Cardamom powder (optional, to taste)

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How to Make Orange Kheer (Santare ki Kheer)

1. Prepare the Milk and Nuts

In a heavy-bottomed pan, add 1 litre of milk and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Let the milk cook, stirring occasionally, until it reduces slightly and starts to thicken. Once the milk has thickened to your desired consistency, add the roasted and chopped nuts to the pan. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the nuts to blend in with the milk and give it a creamy texture.

2. Add Khandasari and Saffron Milk

Once the milk is creamy and thickened, add 4 tablespoons of khandasari (unrefined sugar) for sweetness. Stir well to dissolve the sugar completely. Then, add the soaked saffron strands along with the warm milk they were soaking in. If you like, you can also add a pinch of cardamom powder at this stage for added fragrance.

3. Prepare the Orange Pulp

While the milk mixture is cooking, carefully remove the pulp from the oranges. Do this by cutting the oranges in half and gently scooping out the pulp using a spoon, ensuring no juice is squeezed out. Set the pulp aside in a separate bowl. Be cautious not to squeeze or press the pulp, as this can release excess juice and make the kheer watery.

4. Cool and Chill

Once the milk mixture is thick and creamy, remove it from the heat. Let it cool down to room temperature, then refrigerate the kheer in the fridge for 2-3 hours to chill.

5. Mix the Orange Pulp

After the kheer has chilled, carefully fold in the orange pulp. It's essential that the kheer is completely chilled before adding the pulp, as the heat can cause the oranges to lose their texture. Do not reheat the kheer once the orange pulp has been mixed in, as it will affect the freshness of the oranges.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Once mixed, garnish with additional roasted nuts if desired. Serve the Orange Kheer chilled, and enjoy the unique combination of creamy sweetness and citrusy tang.

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Tips for Perfect Orange Kheer

• Don't Reheat After Adding Orange Pulp: The oranges should only be mixed in when the kheer is chilled. If you heat the kheer after adding the orange pulp, the oranges will lose their texture and flavor.
• Customize Sweetness: You can adjust the amount of khandasari (No refined sugar) according to your taste preferences.
• Add Fragrance: For a more aromatic touch, you can add a few drops of rose water or kewra water along with the saffron for added floral notes.
• Garnish with Extra Nuts: Roasted nuts like almonds, cashews, and pistachios can be sprinkled on top of the kheer just before serving for an extra crunch.

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Recipe Card: Orange Kheer (Santare ki Kheer)

Recipe Name	Orange Kheer (Santare Ki Kheer)
Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	30 minutes
Total Time	2-3 hours (including chilling)
Serving Size	4 servings
Cuisine	Indian
Course	Dessert

Ingredients:

• 1 litre full-fat milk
• 1/4 cup roasted and chopped mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios)
• 4 tbsp khandasari (unrefined sugar)
• 3-4 oranges (pulp removed carefully)
• 3-4 strands saffron (soaked in warm milk)
• Cardamom powder (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Milk: In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat milk and simmer until it thickens.
2. Add Nuts: Add roasted nuts and cook for 5-7 minutes to blend them into the milk.
3. Add Sweetener & Saffron: Stir in khandasari and saffron-infused milk.
4. Cool and Chill: Let the kheer cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for 2-3 hours.
5. Prepare Orange Pulp: Carefully remove the pulp from the oranges, avoiding juice.
6. Mix & Serve: Once the kheer is chilled, fold in the orange pulp and serve cold. Do not reheat after adding the oranges.

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Nutritional Benefits of Orange Kheer

• Immunity Boosting: Oranges provide Vitamin C, which strengthens your immune system.
• Rich in Antioxidants: Saffron and nuts add antioxidants that protect your body from harmful free radicals.
• Creamy and Filling: The combination of full-fat milk and roasted nuts makes this kheer a wholesome and satisfying dessert.

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This Orange Kheer (Santare ki Kheer) is a must-try this winter season. The creamy texture, combined with the citrusy burst of fresh oranges, creates a truly delightful and unique dessert that is both refreshing and indulgent. Whether you serve it as a dessert after a hearty meal or enjoy it as a sweet treat throughout the day, this dish will surely become a winter favorite!

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