Blueberry Strawberry Kheer Recipe – Cardamom & Rose Essence Delight

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Blueberry Strawberry Kheer Recipe – Cardamom & Rose Essence Delight

Introduction

Oh, kheer. Is there anything more comforting? This isn’t your grandma’s traditional kheer, though – not entirely. I wanted to give this classic Indian dessert a little fruity twist, and honestly, it’s become a bit of a favourite in my house! The bright berries, fragrant cardamom, and delicate rose essence just elevate everything. It’s surprisingly easy to make, and perfect for when you want something sweet but not too heavy. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Blueberry Strawberry Kheer is a delightful fusion of traditional Indian flavours and fresh, seasonal fruits. It’s creamy, fragrant, and bursting with berry goodness. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes – perfect for a quick dessert or a special occasion. It’s a lighter take on kheer, making it ideal for warmer months or after a rich meal.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious dessert:

• 2 cups Rice Kheer (about 480ml)
• 1.5 cups blueberries (approximately 180g)
• 1.5 cups strawberries, hulled and halved (approximately 210g)
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cardamom (about 1.5g)
• 2 tablespoons honey (about 30ml)
• 0.5 teaspoon lemon juice (about 2.5ml)
• 0.5 teaspoon rose essence (about 2.5ml)
• 1 tablespoon pistachios, sliced (about 10g)
• 1 tablespoon dried rose petals (about 5g)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Getting good quality here really makes a difference.

• Blueberries: I prefer plump, juicy blueberries. Frozen ones work in a pinch, but fresh are best when in season.
• Strawberries: Look for bright red, fragrant strawberries. Local, in-season berries will have the most flavour.
• Cardamom: This is key to the flavour profile. Use freshly ground cardamom whenever possible – the aroma is incredible! A little goes a long way, so don’t overdo it.
• Rose Essence: This adds a beautiful floral note. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores or online. Be careful not to use rose oil – it’s much stronger and can be overpowering. A little rose essence really lifts the whole dessert.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some kheer!

1. Prepare the berry compote: In a medium saucepan, combine the blueberries, strawberries, honey, and ground cardamom. Give it a good mix and cook over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes. Gently mash the berries with the back of a spoon as they cook – this helps release their juices and creates a lovely, thick compote.
2. Finish the compote: Once the mixture is bubbly and has thickened slightly, take it off the heat. Stir in the lemon juice and rose essence. This brightens the flavours and adds a beautiful aroma. Let the compote cool to room temperature.
3. Assemble the jars: Now for the fun part! Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled berry compote into each serving cup or glass.
4. Layer with kheer: Gently layer about ½ cup (120ml) of the prepared rice kheer over the berry compote in each cup.
5. Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with sliced pistachios and dried rose petals. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Honestly, it’s beautiful and delicious either way!

Expert Tips

• Don’t skip mashing the berries! It really helps create a nice, thick compote.
• If your kheer is very thick, you can add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
• For a more intense rose flavour, you can add a few drops of rose water to the kheer itself.

Variations

• Vegan Adaptation: Use coconut milk-based kheer and maple syrup instead of honey.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check the ingredients of your kheer to be sure.
• Spice Level Adjustment (Cardamom): If you’re not a huge fan of cardamom, start with ¼ teaspoon and add more to taste.
• Festival Adaptation (Holi, Diwali): This kheer is a wonderful lighter dessert option for festivals like Holi or Diwali, especially after a heavy meal. My family loves it as a refreshing treat during Diwali!

Serving Suggestions

This kheer is lovely on its own, but you can also serve it with:

• A sprinkle of chopped nuts (almonds, cashews)
• A dollop of coconut cream
• A side of fresh fruit

Storage Instructions

Leftover kheer can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The berries might release more juice over time, but it will still taste delicious!

FAQs

What is Kheer and its origins?

Kheer is a classic Indian rice pudding, traditionally made with milk, rice, and sugar. It has a rich history dating back centuries and is often served during festivals and celebrations.

Can I use other berries besides blueberries and strawberries?

Absolutely! Raspberries, blackberries, or even mixed berries would work beautifully.

What is rose essence and where can I find it?

Rose essence is a concentrated flavouring made from rose petals. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores or online.

Can this kheer be made ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the berry compote and kheer a day in advance and assemble the jars just before serving.

How can I adjust the sweetness level of the kheer?

Adjust the amount of honey to your liking. You can also use other sweeteners like sugar or maple syrup.

Is cardamom essential to the flavour profile?

While not essential, cardamom really adds a unique and authentic flavour. If you don’t have it, you can omit it, but I highly recommend trying it!