Janmashtami Special: How to Prepare Fox Nuts Kheer for Lord Krishna

Janmashtami is a festival celebrated with immense enthusiasm across India, marking the birth of Lord Krishna. This year, Janmashtami falls on August 26, Monday. According to religious beliefs, Lord Krishna was born at midnight under the Rohini Nakshatra on this auspicious day. Temples are beautifully decorated, and the stories and miracles of Lord Krishna are depicted in various forms. Devotees eagerly await this special occasion, and many observe fasts to mark the day. At midnight, Laddu Gopal is bathed, dressed in new clothes, and offered various types of food.

On Janmashtami, a variety of offerings are made to Lord Krishna, including makhan-mishri, Mohan Bhog, Shrikhand, Panjiri, and Malpua. This year, consider preparing a special dish: Makhane Ki Kheer (Fox Nut Pudding). Here’s a simple and delicious recipe to make Makhane Ki Kheer at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup makhane (fox nuts)
• 1/2 cup sugar (to taste)
• 4 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
• 10-12 cashews, chopped
• 10-12 almonds, chopped
• 10-12 raisins
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• A few strands of saffron

Instructions:

1. Roast the Makhane:

   • Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee in a pan.
   • Add the makhane to the ghee and roast them on low heat until they turn golden and crispy.
   • Remove the roasted makhane and set them aside on a plate.

2. Prepare the Kheer:

   • In the same pan, add 4 cups of milk and bring it to a boil.
   • Stir the milk continuously to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
   • Once the milk starts boiling, add the roasted makhane to it.
   • Let the milk simmer on low heat with the makhane until it reduces slightly and thickens.

3. Add Nuts and Flavorings:

   • Add the chopped cashews, almonds, and raisins to the milk.
   • Mix in the cardamom powder.
   • If using saffron, dissolve it in a little warm milk and add it to the kheer.

4. Sweeten the Kheer:

   • Add sugar to the kheer and stir well.
   • Continue to cook until the sugar completely dissolves and the kheer reaches your desired consistency.

5. Final Touches:

   • Cook the kheer for an additional 5-10 minutes and then turn off the heat.
   • Let the kheer cool down slightly before serving.