Badam Kheer Veg Recipes Of India To Savor Today

Updated On: October 5, 2025

Badam Kheer is a classic Indian dessert that beautifully blends the richness of almonds with creamy milk and aromatic spices. This velvety and luscious pudding is not only a treat for the taste buds but also packed with nutrition, making it a favorite during festivals, celebrations, and cozy family dinners.

The word “badam” refers to almonds, and “kheer” is a traditional Indian rice pudding, but in this variation, the almonds take center stage, lending a nutty flavor and luxurious texture. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is incredibly simple yet impressively delicious.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the best ways to prepare Badam Kheer, along with some delightful vegetarian recipes from India that complement this dessert perfectly. So, get ready to indulge in a sweet journey full of flavor, history, and warmth!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Badam Kheer is a dessert that combines simplicity with elegance. You’ll love it because:

  • Rich in flavor: The creamy milk infused with cardamom and saffron creates a divine taste experience.
  • Nutritious: Almonds are a powerhouse of vitamins and healthy fats, making this dessert both indulgent and nourishing.
  • Versatile: Can be served warm or chilled, perfect for any season.
  • Vegetarian-friendly: A perfect recipe that fits well into vegetarian diets common across India.
  • Culturally significant: A dessert that connects you to Indian traditions and festive vibes.

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity
Almonds (Badam) 1 cup (soaked and peeled)
Full-fat milk 1 liter
Sugar 1/2 cup (adjust to taste)
Cardamom powder 1/2 teaspoon
Saffron strands a pinch (optional)
Chopped pistachios and almonds 2 tablespoons (for garnish)
Rose water 1 teaspoon (optional)

Equipment

  • Heavy-bottomed saucepan or kadhai
  • Blender or food processor (for grinding almonds)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Serving bowls

Instructions

  1. Soak and peel the almonds: Begin by soaking the almonds in warm water for about 1 hour. This softens them, making it easier to peel off the brown skins. Once peeled, rinse and drain.
  2. Grind the almonds: In a blender, finely grind the peeled almonds to a coarse paste. Avoid adding too much water; the paste should be thick.
  3. Boil the milk: Pour the full-fat milk into the heavy-bottomed pan and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
  4. Add almond paste: Slowly add the almond paste to the boiling milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the milk to thicken.
  5. Sweeten the kheer: Add sugar and continue to stir until it dissolves completely. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed.
  6. Flavor the kheer: Add cardamom powder and saffron strands soaked in a teaspoon of warm milk for an extra fragrant touch. Stir well.
  7. Final simmer: Let the kheer simmer on low heat for another 5 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. Remember that it will thicken further upon cooling.
  8. Optional rose water: Add rose water if using, stirring gently.
  9. Serve: Pour the Badam Kheer into serving bowls. Garnish with chopped pistachios and almonds. Serve warm or chilled as preferred.

Tips & Variations

For the creamiest kheer, use full-fat milk and cook it slowly to avoid curdling.

  • Vegan version: Substitute dairy milk with almond milk or coconut milk. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
  • Add rice or vermicelli: For a more traditional kheer texture, add soaked rice or roasted vermicelli while boiling the milk.
  • Sweeteners: Try jaggery or honey as alternatives to sugar for a different flavor profile.
  • Additional nuts: Cashews and raisins can also be added for extra texture and taste.
  • Spices: Experiment with a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon for unique variations.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per serving (approx.)
Calories 250 kcal
Protein 8 g
Fat 15 g
Carbohydrates 18 g
Calcium 250 mg
Vitamin E (from almonds) 7 mg

Serving Suggestions

Badam Kheer is a versatile dessert that pairs wonderfully with various Indian vegetarian dishes. Some delightful combinations include:

  • Vegetable Biryani: The creamy sweetness of kheer balances the spicy and aromatic biryani flavors.
  • Paneer Butter Masala: Rich and creamy paneer dishes complement the nutty kheer beautifully.
  • Mixed Vegetable Curry: A simple curry with seasonal vegetables pairs well for a wholesome meal.

For more inspiring vegetarian recipes to accompany your dessert, check out our Half Runner Beans Recipe or explore the comforting Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe. For a sweet twist after your kheer, try our Glazed Twist Donut Recipe for a fusion dessert experience.

Conclusion

Badam Kheer is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of Indian culinary heritage and the joy of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together. Its rich almond flavor, coupled with the creamy texture of milk and the warmth of spices, makes it a timeless favorite in vegetarian Indian cuisine.

Whether you are serving it at a festival, a family gathering, or simply indulging yourself after a hearty meal, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy.

By mastering this Badam Kheer recipe, you open the door to exploring a variety of other Indian vegetarian dishes and desserts that emphasize natural flavors and nutritional goodness. So, grab your almonds, milk, and spices, and create a bowl of happiness that reflects the heart of India’s diverse food culture.

Happy cooking!

📖 Recipe Card: Badam Kheer

Description: A rich and creamy Indian dessert made with almonds, milk, and sugar. Perfect for festive occasions and a healthy sweet treat.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT60M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 liter full-fat milk
  • 1/2 cup almonds (badam), soaked and peeled
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
  • 10-12 strands saffron (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios
  • 1 tablespoon ghee
  • 1/2 teaspoon rose water (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped cashews
  • 1 tablespoon raisins

Instructions

  1. Grind the soaked almonds into a smooth paste with a little milk.
  2. Heat ghee in a pan, lightly roast cashews and raisins, then set aside.
  3. Boil the milk in a heavy-bottomed pan on medium heat.
  4. Add the almond paste to the boiling milk, stirring continuously.
  5. Simmer the mixture for 30-35 minutes until thickened.
  6. Add sugar, cardamom powder, saffron strands, and rose water; mix well.
  7. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. Garnish with roasted cashews, raisins, and chopped pistachios.
  9. Serve warm or chilled.

Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 8 g | Fat: 15 g | Carbs: 25 g

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Marta K

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