How to Make Moong Dal Kheer the Highlight of Your Sankranti Menu

When it comes to Makar Sankranti every home is full of joy, traditions and of course the irresistible festive food. While sesame and jaggery are the stars of the culinary show, there is one hidden gem that should be on your festive table—Moong Dal Kheer. This creamy, delicious dessert made from the humble moong dal turns into a flavor fest when cooked with milk, jaggery and a pinch of cardamom.

You might think kheer is too common to steal the show, but Moong Dal Kheer is anything but. Its earthy richness and subtle sweetness make it a dish that is as healthy as it is sinful. Whether cooking for your family or hosting a Sankranti party, this dish will win hearts with its smooth texture and festive smell.

It is easy and requires only a few ingredients from your pantry. With some prep and a few tricks up your sleeve, you will have a dessert that will not only honor tradition but also get everyone asking for more. So, get cooking, get festive and let Moong Dal Kheer be the star of your Sankranti!

How to Make Moong Dal Kheer

Moong Dal Kheer is a traditional Indian dessert that combines the earthy taste of moong dal with the sweetness of jaggery and the creaminess of milk. A Sankranti special, it’s loved for its simplicity and soul food.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup moong dal (yellow lentils)
• 4 cups full-fat milk
• ¾ cup jaggery
• 1 tbsp ghee
• ½ tsp cardamom powder
• 2 tbsp cashews and raisins
• 1 cup water

Method:

1. Heat ghee in a pan, add moong dal and roast until fragrant and golden.
2. Add water to the roasted dal and cook until soft. Mash slightly.
3. Add milk to the cooked dal, mix well. Let it simmer for 10–12 minutes.
4. Switch off the heat, let it cool slightly, then add jaggery. Mix well and add cardamom powder.
5. Fry cashews and raisins in ghee in a separate pan. Add to the kheer.
6. Serve it warm to get the best flavors

7 Tips And Tricks To Make Moong Dal Kheer

1. Choose The Right Dal For The Best Texture

The dal you choose can make or break your kheer. Use fresh split yellow moong dal as it cooks faster and blends well with the milk. Avoid old dal as it may have a stale taste which can affect the overall flavor. Soaking the dal for 15-20 minutes before cooking helps in getting a soft creamy texture.

2. Roast The Dal For A Nutty Flavor

Before cooking roast the moong dal in ghee until it turns golden and fragrant. This simple step helps in bringing out the nutty flavor of the dal and prevents it from becoming mushy. Roasting also gives the kheer an earthy undertone which makes it stand out.

3. Use Full Fat Milk For Creaminess

Moong Dal Kheer is best made with full fat milk. It gives the dessert its richness and texture. If you are feeling indulgent simmer the milk for a few minutes before adding the dal to make the kheer even more luxurious. For a lighter version you can mix regular milk with a small amount of condensed milk.

4. Use Jaggery For Real Sweetness

Use jaggery instead of sugar to stay true to the Sankranti flavors. Always add jaggery after switching off the flame, as direct cooking can curdle the milk. Grate the jaggery finely so that it dissolves easily and gives a deep caramel like sweetness to the dal.

5 Add Cardamom And Saffron For Extra Flavor

Cardamom powder is a must have for this recipe. It is warm, floral flavor takes the kheer to a festive level. A pinch of saffron soaked in warm milk can be added for a luxurious touch and color. These spices turn a simple dessert into a flavorful one.

6. Top With Ghee-Roasted Nuts And Raisins

The garnish can make or break your Moong Dal Kheer. Roast cashews and raisins in ghee until golden and puffed. Add them as a final touch for crunch and sweetness. You can also add slivered almonds or pistachios for extra oomph.

7. Serve It At the Right Temperature

Moong Dal Kheer is good warm or cold, but the occasion matters. Serve it warm for traditional Sankranti meals or cold as a dessert for modern parties. Let it sit for a few hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.