Creamy Millet Pudding (Bajra Kheer) Instant Pot
This simple and very satisfying pudding is something I can pass of as my contribution to Holi. Bajra Kheer or Bajra ki Kheer is millet pudding. Essentially, a comforting and whole grain version of rice pudding. I have shared a phirni or rice pudding, and a vermicelli pudding in Instant Indian. Then of course, there is my coconut rice pudding and today it is time for this millet pudding. As with any thing in the instant pot, once you get the hang of it, this becomes very easy. I tested this about 4 times and once more to get this where I wanted it. Luckily for me, the final effort coincided with Holi, and I claimed credit for ensuring my festival cooking was in check.
My Creamy Millet Pudding Story
A homey milky pudding like this is very typical of Northern India. It is toothsome and gets most of its flavor from the milk, cardamom, and the millet cooking together in gentle harmony. Unlike richer payesh or kheer, there is not a need to thicken the milk too much. I use a combination of whole milk and half and half, when I am feeling indulgent. You can use just whole milk if you wish. To get this down to a good comforting texture,
- Use 2.5 cups of milk to every 3/4 cup of millet
- Use the low pressure setting. It takes a little longer but gives you great results without any chance of curdling the milk.
- Add the sweetener later. Use a wholesome sweetener like cane sugar or even honey.
- Do not over sweeten the pudding.
This pudding is great served both warm or chilled. I find that either way tastes good. This is a great substitute for your breakfast oatmeal. Try an and you will be a believer. In my home at least there is very little left to be enjoyed cold. It goes almost as quickly as it is cool enough to enjoy.
And for some extra indulgences do scatter a few strands of saffron, it makes almost everything better.
More where this came from
Other simple Indian milk puddings include tapioca seed or sabudana kheer and of course the classic everyday rice pudding
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An easy and comforting millet pudding done easily in the instant pot.
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup half and half
- 3/4 cup pearled millet
- 3 whole green cardamoms, lightly crushed
- 1/2 cup of cane sugar or honey (more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon saffron strands
- 2 tablespoons sliced almonds and dried fruit like cranberries or raisins
Instructions
- Place the whole milk, half and half, pearled milled, and green cardamoms in the instant pot. Set to 15 minutes of low pressure and allow a natural release.
- Remove the cover and stir well. Stir in the sugar or honey. Turn on the saute mode and cook for another 3 minutes stirring occasionally.
- Sprinkle with the saffron strands, sliced almonds and dried fruit.
- Enjoy warm or cold.
Notes
To make this on the stove top, simply place the milk, millet, and cardamoms in a heavy bottomed pan. and simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the sugar or honey and heat through. Sprinkle with the saffron strands, sliced almonds and dried fruit. Enjoy warm or cold.