Phool Makhana Kheer | Lotus Seeds Payasam Recipe

You might already be familiar with Phool makhana, especially if you have tried my previously shared Phool Makhana Curry recipe. This time let's use these nutritious lotus seeds to prepare a delicious, creamy and rich Indian dessert – Phool Makhana Kheer!

Made with milk, sugar, condensed milk and crunchy ghee-roasted almonds, this kheer is a wonderful dessert to enjoy warm or chilled. It is also popularly known as Makhana Payasam.

Ingredients required

• 1 cup phool makhana (lotus seeds)

• ½ litre milk

• ¼ cup sugar 

• ¼ cup condensed milk

• ½ tsp cardamom powder

• ¼ cup almonds, chopped and roasted in ghee

Method of preparation

1. In a deep, heavy-bottomed vessel, add milk and phool makhana.

2. Simmer on a low flame until the makhana becomes soft and thoroughly cooked.

3. Using a dal masher or any suitable utensil, gently mash the cooked makhana so that it blends well with the milk. You can leave a few small pieces for texture.

4. Add cardamom powder, sugar and condensed milk. Stir continuously until everything is well combined.

5. Allow the kheer to simmer for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.

6. Garnish with ghee-roasted almond pieces.

Serve warm or chilled and enjoy this delicious homemade dessert!

I thoroughly enjoyed this creamy and nutty kheer. Do give it a try! 😊

Banana Dates Smoothie with Soy Milk

  Smoothies are delicious blended drinks prepared using fresh fruits. They can be flavoured with honey, vanilla or chocolate, and milk or cream can be added to give them a richer and creamier consistency.

For this recipe, I have used soy milk instead of regular milk, making it a lovely dairy-free smoothie option. Combined with the natural sweetness of ripe banana and black dates, this smoothie is both delicious and easy to prepare.

A little vanilla essence and honey bring all the flavours together. So, let's get blending!

Ingredients Required

• Soy milk- half cup
• 1/2 tsp vanilla essence
• 1 Banana (which can be frozen, optionally)
• 4-5 deseeded black dates
• 1 tsp honey

Method

1. Peel and roughly chop the banana.

2. Remove the seeds from the dates.

3. Add soy milk, banana, dates, vanilla essence and honey to a blender.

4. Blend everything until smooth and creamy.

5. Pour into a serving glass and serve chilled.

Enjoy this delicious homemade banana and dates smoothie!

Eat healthy, think better! 😊