1. Prepare the Kadhai: Start by heating a kadhai (wok) over medium heat.
2. Toast the Dry Fruits: Add 2 tablespoons of ghee to the heated kadhai. Once the ghee is hot, add the washed cashews and raisins. Fry them until they turn light brown, then remove them from the kadhai and set them aside.
3. Toast the Sooji: In the same kadhai, add 100 grams of sooji. Fry it gently until it turns light brown and fragrant. This step enhances the flavor of the sooji.
4. Boil the Milk: In a separate pot, bring 1 liter of zero-fat milk or 500 ml of full-cream milk to a boil.
5. Combine Sooji and Milk: Gradually add the toasted sooji to the boiling milk, stirring continuously. This is crucial; continuous stirring prevents the sooji from clumping together at the bottom of the pan.
6. Sweeten the Kheer: Once the milk is boiling and the sooji is fully incorporated, add 50 grams of condensed milk, followed by 10 grams of jaggery drops or 2 tablespoons of sugar. Mix well and keep stirring until the sooji is cooked through.
7. Finish with Cardamom and Dry Fruits: Stir in the roasted cashews and raisins along with 2 crushed cardamom pods. Mix everything thoroughly.
8. Serve: Pour the payesh into a serving bowl and let it cool. Enjoy the comforting warmth of the kheer, feeling Gopal’s presence with every bite.
Tips for Perfect Sooji payesh:
• Continuous Stirring: Always stir continuously when adding the sooji to avoid lumps.
• Sweetness Level: Adjust the sweetness according to your taste. You can use more or less sugar/jaggery based on preference.
• Creamy Texture: For a creamier kheer, use full-cream milk.
• Chill Before Serving: You can chill the kheer in the refrigerator before serving for a refreshing taste.
• Garnishing: Feel free to garnish with additional dry fruits or a sprinkle of cardamom powder for an extra touch.
This Sooji payesh is not just a dessert; it’s a sweet start to our journey at Khawa Dawa, celebrating the love of cooking and the warmth of home. Every spoonful carries the essence of tradition and the teachings of Gopal, reminding us of the beauty of our roots. Enjoy this dish with your loved ones and create your own memories around it! Do share your feedback by reaching us out on youtube or Instagram.