In a world full of sugary desserts and heavy sweets, finding something that is both nourishing and comforting can feel like a challenge. But sometimes, the most soulful dishes come from our traditional Indian kitchens—and Kodo Millet Veg Kheer is one such gem. This unique twist on the classic kheer blends the creamy richness of milk, the soft nuttiness of Kodo millet, and the goodness of vegetables, creating a dessert that is wholesome, delicious, and completely guilt-free.
Unlike regular rice-based kheer, this version uses Kodo millet (Varagu/Arikelu)—a powerhouse of nutrition known for its lightness, high fibre, and versatility. Adding vegetables to kheer may seem surprising, but mild, sweet veggies like carrots 🥕, pumpkin 🎃, and bottle gourd 🥒 add natural sweetness, texture, and colour, taking this dessert to a whole new level.
Whether you’re looking for a festive dish, a healthy sweet for kids, or a post-meal comfort bowl, this Kodo Millet Veg Kheer is a beautiful blend of tradition and wellness.
🌾 Why Kodo Millet? The Supergrain You Should Use More!
Kodo Millet is one of the most ancient Indian grains known for its simplicity and superior nutrition. Here’s why it’s perfect for desserts like kheer:
🌿 High fibre – Keeps digestion smooth
💛 Low glycemic index – Suitable for diabetics
🧡 Rich in minerals – Iron, magnesium & zinc
💪 Gluten-free – Good for those avoiding wheat
🔥 Low calorie & filling – Helps maintain weight
🥣 Naturally soft and mildly sweet – Perfect for kheer
Millets have made a big comeback in modern kitchens, and Kodo millet is leading the way with its earthy flavour, quick cooking, and nourishing properties.
🥕🥛 Ingredients You’ll Need
🌾 Main Ingredients
- ½ cup Kodo Millet
- 4 cups Milk (or plant milk for vegan choice)
- ½ cup Grated Carrots 🥕
- ½ cup Finely Chopped Bottle Gourd 🥒
- ¼ cup Finely Chopped Pumpkin 🎃
- ¼ cup Sugar or Jaggery
- ½ tsp Green Cardamom Powder
🥄 Optional Enhancers
- 1 tbsp Chopped Almonds
- 1 tbsp Chopped Cashews
- 1 tbsp Raisins
- 1 tsp Ghee
- Few strands Saffron
👩🍳 How to Make Kodo Millet Veg Kheer – Step by Step
🔹 Step 1: Wash & Soak the Millet
Rinse Kodo millet under running water and soak it for 20 minutes. This helps soften the grains and shortens cooking time.
🔹 Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash, peel, and finely chop the vegetables. Using mildly sweet veggies gives the kheer natural sweetness and colour.
🔹 Step 3: Cook the Millet
In a pan, add the soaked millet and 1½ cups of water. Cook until the millet turns soft and fluffy.
Tip: If using a cooker, cook for 2 whistles.
🔹 Step 4: Make the Milk Base
Heat milk in a heavy-bottomed pan. Let it simmer on low flame until slightly thickened. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.
🔹 Step 5: Add Vegetables
Add grated carrots, pumpkin, and bottle gourd to the simmering milk. Cook until they turn soft and blend into the milk.
🔹 Step 6: Combine Millet & Milk Mixture
Add cooked millet to the vegetable-milk mixture and stir well.
Let everything simmer for 5–7 minutes so flavours blend beautifully.
🔹 Step 7: Sweeten & Flavour
Add sugar or jaggery (if using jaggery, add after switching off the heat).
Sprinkle cardamom powder for aroma.
🔹 Step 8: Add Nuts (Optional)
Heat a tsp of ghee and roast cashews & raisins. Add them to the kheer for richness.
🔹 Step 9: Serve Warm or Chilled
You can serve this kheer warm during winters and chilled during summers.
Both versions taste heavenly!
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Here’s how you can make your Kodo Millet Veg Kheer even more delightful:
✨ Serve with a garnish of saffron and chopped nuts
✨ Pair with a festival thali for celebrations
✨ Serve chilled as a post-meal dessert
✨ Add a dash of rose water for a floral twist
✨ Use coconut milk for a South Indian touch
The vegetable sweetness balanced with millet earthiness makes this dish incredibly comforting and flavorful.
🌟 Why This Kheer is Special
✔️ Nutrient-dense dessert
✔️ Great for kids & adults
✔️ Vegetables add fibre & colour
✔️ Light on the stomach
✔️ Perfect festive and daily dessert
✔️ Healthy alternative to rice kheer
✔️ Diabetic-friendly (with jaggery or stevia)
This dish is proof that healthy sweets don’t need to compromise on taste.
🔄 Variations to Try
🍯 Jaggery Veg Kheer – For earthy sweetness
🥥 Coconut Veg Kheer – Plant-based delight
🍌 Fruit & Millet Kheer – Add banana or apple
🧉 South Indian Style Payasam – Add coconut, ghee, and roasted cashews
🥭 Mango Millet Kheer – Summer special
Each variation changes the flavour while keeping the kheer soulful and nourishing.
❤️ Conclusion
Kodo Millet Veg Kheer is a heartwarming bowl of sweetness that blends tradition, nutrition, flavour, and creativity. With its creamy texture, millet goodness, and colourful veggies, it stands out as one of the healthiest and most comforting Indian desserts. Whether you’re preparing it for your family, festive gatherings, or simply craving a guilt-free treat, this millet kheer will always deliver comfort in every spoonful.
Give it a try and enjoy the magic of millets in the sweetest way possible!