Almond -Poppy seed kheer

First of all , before beginning  let me announce that this recipe is from my friend Sowmya who makes this very often in her house for all the festive occasions. I tasted it first from her house and felt it was a really different dish which we have not tried at home. So I thought of making it and sharing with you, with her permission.

In India, Iran and Turkey poppy seeds are known as khaskhas or haşhaş and are considered highly nutritious, mostly added in dough while baking bread, and recommended for pregnant women and new mothers.In Indian cuisine, white poppy seeds are added for thickness, texture and also give added flavor to the recipe. Commonly used in the preparation of korma, ground poppy seed, along with coconut and other spices, are combined as the masala to be added at the end of the cooking step. It is quite hard to grind them when raw, so they are normally dry fried, and then mixed with a little water to get the right paste consistency.

Almonds are a rich source of vitamin E,They are also rich in dietary fiber, B vitamins, essential minerals and monounsaturated fat  one of the two "good" fats which potentially may lower LDL cholesterol. Typical of nuts and seeds, almonds also contain phytosterols, associated with cholesterol-lowering properties.Potential health benefits, which have not been scientifically validated, include improved complexion and possibly a lower risk of cancer. Preliminary research associates consumption of almonds with elevating blood levels of high density lipoproteins and lowering low density lipoproteins. A preliminary trial showed that, in spite of the high fat content of almonds, using them in the daily diet might lower several factors associated with heart disease, including cholesterol and blood lipids.

The kheer made with these two components are undoubtedly a nutritious product . As we add less sugar it is less sweet too. It is not a light dessert but a heavy one and having a cup of it may make you feel sleepy as you feel full. Good for kids and adults . Easy to make too . But the ingredients are little expensive which makes it a rare dish in all houses.  

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS:

• Poppy seeds- 1/4 cup
• Almonds - 1/2 cup
• Sugar - 1/4 cup
• Cashews , Pista and Raisins - 1/4 cup
• Ghee- 1/4 tablespoon
• Grated coconut- 1/4 cup
• Whole milk - 1 cup

How to Prepare: 

Step 1 : Soak the poppy seeds  in milk , just to the level of the poppy seeds. Soak the almonds also in milk . both for about one hour. 

Then Remove the skin of the almonds with your fingers. 

Step 2: Grind the blanched almonds and poppy seeds with  coconut to make a smooth paste . If needed add the milk used to soaking almonds , but not more. The resultant should be thick but in flowing consistency. 

Step 3: Transfer the mix to a pan and gently stir it and heat the mix adding sugar. Do not boil too much and stir continuously as there is a risk of lump formation while cooking .  

Step 4: Heat ghee in a pan and saute raisins, cashews , pistas and almond shavings . Add to the kheer and mix well. Switch off flame and serve.