Orange Kheer – a rich and velvety pudding flavored with warm spices like cardamom and saffron. With added oranges that cut through the richness, it’s a fruity twist on a classic!
Kheer is undoubtedly one of the keystone deserts that defines India. My version adds some crumbed paneer (or cottage cheese) and oranges for a completely new flavor profile to revitalize this beloved dessert.
The crumbled paneer adds a wonder richness and royal feeling almost like rabdi, and the oranges add a fruity and tangy element that makes it perfect for this festive season!
Orange Kheer - a fruity twist on the classic rich and velvety pudding with oranges and chenna (crumbled paneer). Flavored with cardamon and saffron, this royal dessert is perfect for the festive season!
- 5 cup milk
- 1/3 cup condensed milk
- 1/2 cup homemade cottage cheese , or crumbled paneer
- 3 small oranges , peeled (or use canned oranges)
- 1 tsp orange zest
- pinch saffron , soaked in 1 tsp warm milk
- 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
- pistachio , chopped for garnish
- almonds , slivered for garnish
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Heat the milk in a heavy-bottomed pan on low flame. Keep stirring the milk continuously.
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In 10-15 minutes when the milk starts to thicken, add in the condensed milk, cardamom powder and saffron. Adjust the sweetness with condensed milk according to your taste.
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Boil the milk for 2-3 more minutes and then switch off the gas.
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Let the milk cool down to lukewarm temperature and then add cottage cheese (or crumbled paneer) and orange zest. Mix until well combined.
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Now, keep it in the fridge for 30 mins until it cools down completely.
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Fresh oranges - peel them by removing the transparent outer skin and remove the seeds. Keep the oranges intact and try not to break them into small pieces, otherwise it will make the kheer watery.
Canned oranges - drain them for 15 minutes until the excess liquid is gone.
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Mix the oranges into the kheer. Make sure that the kheer is completely cooled down before adding the oranges, otherwise the milk will curdle.
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Chill the kheer in a fridge for at least 1 hour before serving. Enjoy!
- Make sure that you use sweet oranges for the kheer, not sour ones.
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Hello Nidhi, can this be made a day in advance?
Yes, you can make everything in advance (till step 5) except adding the oranges as they leave water. Just add the oranges 2 hours before serving.