Today, July 30, marks the 15th of Shrawan on the Nepali calendar, known as Khir (Kheer) Khane Din—a day dedicated to enjoying the beloved rice pudding dish, khir. This special day signifies the end of the rice planting season, celebrating the hard work and dedication of Nepali farmers. Falling exactly one month after Asar 15, another significant agricultural festival in Nepal, Khir Khane Din holds a special place in the hearts and kitchens of Nepali households.
On this auspicious day, families across Nepal prepare khir, a sweet and creamy rice pudding, and offer it to the deities before indulging in this delicious treat. Khir is considered a sacred and pure food, often made during religious rituals and festivals.
How to Make Traditional Nepali Khir
Ingredients:
Basic:
– Milk: 4 liters
– Taichin rice: 1 cup
– Sugar: 8-9 tablespoons
– Ghee: 2 tablespoons
Optional:
– Grated coconut: ¼ cup
– Almonds: 10
– Cashew nuts: 10
– Raisins: 10
– Cardamom
– Saffron
Instructions:
1. Preparation:
– Rinse the rice thoroughly and soak it in water for 15-30 minutes.
2. Roasting Nuts:
– Heat a cauldron or a wide pan, add a tablespoon of ghee, and roast grated coconut, chopped almonds, cashew nuts, and raisins until they turn light brown. Remove from heat and let them cool.
3. Cooking Rice:
– In the same pan, add the soaked rice to the leftover ghee and roast for a few minutes. Then, add all the milk, stir, and bring to a boil.
4. Simmering:
– Lower the flame and let the milk reduce and thicken, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Once the rice is half-cooked, add sugar to taste and mix well.
5. Adding Flavors:
– Crush some cardamom seeds and add them, along with the roasted nuts and coconut, to the mixture. Reserve some nuts for garnish. You can also add saffron by mixing strands in warm milk and adding it to the khir.
6. Final Touch:
– Continue cooking on low flame, stirring intermittently, for 40-50 minutes until the milk thickens and the rice is fully cooked. Once done, your khir is ready to be served.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the khir in bowls and top with the remaining nuts. Pair it with a boiled potato pickle or a simple potato curry for a delightful and traditional meal.
Celebrate this Khir Khane Din by preparing this sweet rice pudding and sharing it with your loved ones, honoring the hardworking farmers and enjoying the rich culinary heritage of Nepal.