Makhana kheer with pasteurised milk

Name: Makhana kheer with pasteurised milk
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 portions

A North Indian dessert of fox nuts (makhana) simmered in pasteurised milk until creamy, lightly sweetened and flavoured with cardamom.

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Portions

Ingredient quantities update automatically. Cooking times may need a little adjustment when you change the batch size.

Only swaps that keep this recipe pregnancy-safe are offered. Allergen information below updates when you choose one.

Ingredient unavailable: use roasted melon seeds instead of chopped almonds or pistachios

For 4 portions. Tick items as you go — nothing is changed for anyone else.

This recipe contains foods that can contribute to a varied and balanced diet during pregnancy.

Step 1. Roast the makhana in the ghee over low heat for 4–5 minutes until crisp, then crush lightly.
Step 2. Bring the milk to a gentle simmer in a heavy-bottomed pan.
Step 3. Add the crushed makhana and simmer, stirring often, for 12–15 minutes until thickened and creamy.
Step 4. Stir in the sugar or jaggery and cardamom and simmer for 2 more minutes.
Step 5. Serve warm or chilled, garnished with chopped nuts (about 150 ml per portion).

Ingredient brands and substitutions can change allergen content. Always check the labels on the products you buy.

In pregnancy, cook eggs until the white and yolk are completely set, and cook chicken, mutton and fish right through until piping hot.
Use pasteurised milk, or boil loose milk and cool it before use; choose curd and paneer made from pasteurised or boiled milk.
Wash all vegetables and fruit in clean running water, and use safe drinking water for cooking, soaking and drinking.
Refrigerate leftovers within two hours (within one hour in hot weather), store cooked rice cold and reheat once until piping hot throughout.
Avoid raw or lightly cooked sprouts in pregnancy — cook sprouts thoroughly before eating.
No alcohol is used in this recipe.
Food does not replace the iron, folic acid and calcium supplements advised through Anaemia Mukt Bharat and your antenatal clinic. Take those exactly as prescribed.

Ingredient brands and substitutions can change allergen content. Always check the labels on the products you buy.

Maternal nutrition — guidance for pregnant women — Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, reviewed 10 September 2026
Milk and milk products — safety and pasteurisation — Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), reviewed 10 September 2026