Today is the second last day of Navratra and me along with my family are fasting for this the eighth day or Asthmi. We all love the food that is made for fast, and my kids love Kheer. I was planning to make Makhana kheer but then realized that I was out of it. I opened my fridge for other options when I looked at Raw Papaya which I recently bought for salad. I was not sure whether I can use for making kheer, but thought of experimenting.
Well I remembered how my mother used to make Carrot kheer and tried to replicate the recipe. I grated Papaya and then roasted it in ghee. The aroma was awesome. Talking about Aroma , During Navrata there is a tradition of doing a small Havan everyday during Pooja( worship). We burn cow dung cakes in a Brass vessel called havan kund and then pour ghee( clarified butter), Hawan samgri, Cloves and camphor over it. The whole house gets filled with Divine Smoky Aroma and it feels so good. Here in US this is not possible, but I try to litter a mixture of Hawan Samgri, Cloves, ghee and camphor.
The Kheer turned out super awesome and I got a thumbsup from my husband and Son. Give it a try friends I am sure you and your family will love it.
Here is the recipe
RAW PAPAYA KHEER
INGREDIENTS
Raw Papaya Grated 1 cup
Whole Milk ( 2 cups)
Ghee or clarified butter 1 tbsp.
Cardamom ( elaichi ) powder – 1tsp
rose water – 4-5 drops
Chopped Almonds ( for garnishing)
Sugar ( 4-5 tbsp.) or according to taste.
METHOD
- In a heavy base pan heat ghee. Add grated Papaya and roast till it stats changing color and gives aroma.
- Take it out and keep aside. in the same Pan add milk and boil it. Now mix Papaya and cook this mixture for 15 minutes on low flame. Keep stirring in between.
- You will see that milk will start thickening. Now add sugar, rose water drops and cardamom and keep stirring for another 5-7 min.
- You may turn off the gas or continue thickening according to your taste. I like little runny one so I don’t make it too thick.
- Garnish with chopped almonds and serve.NOTES
You made increase the quantity of milk according to your liking.
Keep stirring in between to avoid burning.
