Tempting Jhangore Ki Kheer

Try the regional speciality 'Jhangore Ki Kheer' to get a taste of authentic Uttarakhandi cuisine. Indulge in a sweet and creamy trip into the culinary history of the Himalayas with this beloved delicacy.'Jhangore Ki Kheer' is a festival honouring the local crop and cherished traditions in the heart of Uttarakhand, a state known for its stunning vistas. To bring out its full potential, the key ingredient, 'Jhangora' or Barnyard Millet, is slowly cooked in whole milk to get a silky consistency and a luscious taste.

With every mouthful of delicious kheer, you'll be whisked away to a cosy mountain home, where it's served at celebrations and family meals. Uttarakhand's cultural tapestry is reflected in dishes like “Jhangore Ki Kheer,” where flavours and stories mingle to produce a truly unique meal.

• Origin: Uttarakhand, India
• Category: Jhangore Ki Kheer is a Pahari Vegetarian Dessert which is considered Dessert
• Ingredient: Barnyard Millet (Jhangora), Milk, Sugar are treated as main ingredients for this recipe. Other ingredients used are Cardamom, Nuts, Ghee
• Time and Flavour: This recipe takes approx 1-2 hours and the flavour is Sweet and Nutty
• Nutritional Information: Jhangore Ki Kheer contains 130 kcal calories per 100 g serving. This serving contains 2.4 g of fat, 3.6 g of protein and 26 g of carbohydrate. The latter is 15 g sugar and 1.2 g of dietary fiber, the rest is other nutritional component. [ These values may vary based on ingredients used and its quantity ]

Photo Credit: AboutUttarakhand.com

'Jhangore Ki Kheer,’ also known as 'Barnyard Millet Pudding,’ is a traditional Pahari dessert originating from the hilly regions of India, particularly Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. This dessert showcases the use of locally grown millets and captures the essence of Pahari culinary traditions. To prepare Jhangore Ki Kheer, barnyard millet (jhangore) is cooked in milk until it softens and absorbs the creamy texture. The millet is sweetened with sugar or jaggery (unrefined sugar) and flavored with aromatic spices like cardamom and saffron. Chopped nuts such as almonds, cashews, and raisins are often added for a delightful crunch and extra richness.

The result is a comforting and nourishing dessert with a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The barnyard millet lends a unique nutty taste to the kheer, while the saffron infuses a subtle aroma and a golden hue. Jhangore Ki Kheer exemplifies Pahari cuisine’s ability to create delectable dishes using local grains and ingredients. This dessert is not only a delightful treat but also a representation of the region’s culinary heritage, which values simplicity, authenticity, and the use of locally sourced produce.

• Barnyard Millet [ झंगोरा ], 1/2 Cup
  
• Milk [ दूध ], 4 Cups
  
• Sugar [ चीनी ], 1/2 Cup
  → Adjust To Taste.
• Cardamom Powder [ इलायची चूर्ण ], 1/4 Tablespoon
  
• Saffron Strands [ केसर ], 1 Pinch
  → Optional.
• Dry Fruits [ सूखे मेवे ], 10 Grams
  → Such As Almonds, Pistachios For Garnishing.
• Raisins [ किशमिश ], 10 Grams
  

.

• Rinse the barnyard millet and let it soak in water for 30 minutes.
• Put milk in a large saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium heat.
• Drain the soaked millet and add it to the boiling milk.
• Stir occasionally and cook on low to medium heat until the millet is soft and the kheer thickens, this should take 20-25 minutes.
• Add sugar, cardamom powder, and saffron strands (if using) to the kheer. Stir until the sugar dissolves and all of the ingredients are blended together; continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
• Take the kheer off the heat and let it cool. Top with chopped nuts and raisins. Serve the Jhangore ki kheer either warm or cold, depending on your preference.

• Barnyard millet (jhangora) is a gluten-free grain packed with dietary fiber, protein, and important minerals like iron and calcium. It's a healthier choice than rice or other grains due to its nutritional makeup.
• This millet has a low glycemic index, which means it helps keep blood sugar levels steady and gives you lasting energy.
• Kheer made with milk adds even more nutrition as milk is abundant in protein, calcium, and vitamins. All of this boosts the overall nutrition of the dessert.
• Cardamom in kheer helps digestion, oral health and freshens breath. Saffron adds a unique flavor and aroma, plus it's an antioxidant that can help lift your mood. Almonds and pistachios make great garnishes and provide healthy fats, fiber and important nutrients.

Although these components may offer some health benefits, it's crucial to keep in mind that everyone's experience may vary, and they must be consumed in moderation as a part of a balanced diet. If you have any specific health issues or concerns, it's recommended to speak with a healthcare provider.

Jhangore Ki Kheer, a dish from the Pahari cuisine, is, in a nutshell, a culinary masterpiece that captures the spirit of the region's tradition and creativity. This kheer exemplifies the skill of elevating lowly grains to the level of a decadent dessert by using milk, sugar, and aromatic spices to bring out the flavour of nutrient-rich barnyard millet. The Pahari people's ability to blend textures and flavours to produce a symphony for the taste buds is evident from the very beginning of the cooking process. 'Jhangore Ki Kheer' is a traditional sweet from India that is served at celebrations to acknowledge the importance of family and community. Every bite of this dish is more than just a tasty treat; it also captures the spirit of a people who take pride in their homeland, their traditions, and the way the various flavours and textures come together to reveal their long and storied history.