Few desserts can comfort the soul like a bowl of Kheer — creamy, aromatic, and touched with the warmth of cardamom. But when you replace rice with Pearl Millet (Bajra), the humble Kheer becomes something even more special — a nutritious, hearty, and earthy dessert that beautifully bridges tradition and wellness. 💛
This Pearl Millet Kheer is rich, flavorful, and naturally gluten-free. The nuttiness of bajra blends perfectly with milk and jaggery, creating a dessert that’s both indulgent and nourishing. Whether served warm on a cozy evening or chilled after a festive meal, every spoonful feels like home. 🥄✨
🥣 What Is Pearl Millet (Bajra)?
Bajra, or Pearl Millet, is one of the most ancient grains cultivated in India. Grown largely in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, it’s known for its high fiber, iron, and protein content. 🌾
While we often see bajra in rotis and khichdi, it shines surprisingly well in desserts too. Its deep, nutty flavor gives Kheer a rustic yet luxurious charm — a perfect fusion of taste and nutrition.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
🌾 Main Ingredients
- Pearl Millet (Bajra) – ½ cup
- Full-cream milk – 3 cups
- Ghee – 1 tbsp
- Jaggery – ½ cup (or adjust to taste)
🌰 Flavor & Garnish
- Cardamom powder – ½ tsp
- Chopped cashews – 1 tbsp
- Raisins – 1 tbsp
- Almond slivers – 1 tbsp
- Saffron strands – a few (soaked in 1 tbsp warm milk)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Preparation
1️⃣ Roast the Millet 🌾
- Clean and rinse the pearl millet well.
- Heat 1 tbsp ghee 🧈 in a heavy pan.
- Add the drained millet and roast on low flame for 5–7 minutes until aromatic and slightly golden.
- This step enhances flavor and ensures the grains cook evenly.
2️⃣ Cook the Millet 🔥
- Add 1 cup water 💧 to the roasted millet and bring it to a gentle boil.
- Cover and simmer until soft — it should absorb most of the water and turn fluffy.
- Lightly mash with a spoon to break the grains; this gives the kheer its creamy base.
3️⃣ Add Milk and Simmer 🥛
- Pour in 3 cups of warm milk.
- Stir continuously on a low flame so the milk doesn’t stick to the pan.
- Let it simmer for 10–12 minutes until it thickens to a rich, porridge-like consistency.
- Stir in the soaked saffron milk for that beautiful golden hue 💛.
4️⃣ Sweeten with Jaggery 🍯
- Turn off the heat and allow the kheer to cool slightly (important so the milk doesn’t curdle).
- Add the grated jaggery and mix until it dissolves completely.
- Turn on a very low flame and cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring gently.
💡 Tip: If you prefer, you can replace jaggery with brown sugar or palm jaggery for different flavor notes.
5️⃣ Add Flavor & Garnish 🌰
- Stir in cardamom powder, roasted cashews and raisins, and almond slivers.
- Mix well and cook for another minute.
- Your rich, nutty Pearl Millet Kheer is now ready to serve! 😋
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve your Bajra Kheer:
🍶 Warm — as a comforting winter dessert after meals.
❄️ Chilled — for a cool summer treat.
🌿 As “Naivedyam” (prasad) during festivals like Navratri or Makar Sankranti.
Garnish each bowl with a drizzle of ghee, a sprinkle of saffron strands, and a few chopped nuts for that royal finish. ✨
💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Pearl Millet Kheer
✅ Roast first: Always roast bajra before boiling — it deepens flavor and prevents stickiness.
✅ Jaggery timing: Add it only after turning off the heat to avoid curdling the milk.
✅ Thick vs. Thin: Add more milk for a runny consistency or less for a pudding-like texture.
✅ Vegan Version: Use coconut milk 🥥 or almond milk and coconut oil instead of ghee.
✅ Storage: Refrigerate for up to 2 days; reheat gently with a splash of milk before serving.
🧘♀️ Health Benefits of Pearl Millet
🌾 Rich in Iron & Calcium: Supports bone health and improves hemoglobin levels.
💪 High Protein: Keeps you energized and satiated for longer.
🍃 Gluten-Free: Perfect for those with gluten intolerance.
⚖️ Good for Weight Management: High fiber helps digestion and controls cravings.
🩸 Regulates Blood Sugar: Low glycemic index makes it diabetic-friendly.
💖 Heart Healthy: Contains antioxidants that help reduce cholesterol levels.
This makes Bajra Kheer a dessert that’s both delicious and guilt-free — a true celebration of wellness in every spoonful! 🥄💛
🌿 Conclusion
Pearl Millet Kheer is the perfect example of how traditional Indian desserts can evolve without losing their soul. 🌾✨
The creamy milk, the caramel sweetness of jaggery, and the earthy undertones of bajra come together in harmony — creating a dessert that’s comforting, nutrient-rich, and timeless.
Whether you serve it at festivals, family dinners, or cozy weekend lunches, this Bajra Kheer will remind everyone that true luxury lies in simplicity — and in the wisdom of our ancient grains. 🍯🥛🌰
So next time you crave something sweet, skip the usual rice kheer and give this millet marvel a try. One spoonful, and you’ll fall in love with its rustic charm! 💛