Millet Pudding — millet-and-jaggery porridge sweet
Millet pudding — Indian bajre ki kheer — replaces rice with pearl millet (bajra) in the kheer template. The result is nuttier, more rustic, and arguably more interesting; pearl millet has a faintly grassy depth that rice does not bring. Sweetened with jaggery and perfumed with cardamom, it is a winter dessert.
i. Origin & history
Pearl millet is one of the foundational grains of Rajasthani and Gujarati cooking — better adapted to arid climates than rice. The pudding form is everyday rural food, increasingly appreciated for its higher nutritional density.
ii. Ingredients
Makes 6 servings · scroll the side panel to adjust
- 100 g pearl millet (bajra), soaked 8 hours
- 1 litre whole milk
- 120 g jaggery (or 100 g sugar)
- 1 tsp cardamom
- Pinch saffron
- 2 tbsp chopped almonds
- 1 tbsp ghee
- 2 tbsp sultanas
iii. Method
- Drain millet; coarsely grind in a food processor.
- Bring milk to a simmer; stir in millet; cook 25-30 min, stirring often, until soft and creamy.
- Off heat (to prevent splitting), stir in jaggery, cardamom and saffron.
- Fry almonds and sultanas in ghee; stir through. Serve warm.
iv. Tips & common mistakes
- Use the freshest ingredients you can. The recipe relies on them.
- Read the method through first. Several steps must be ready in advance.
- Season patiently. Sweetness and salt are tuned at the end, not the start.
v. Variations
Foxtail millet kheer is a finer cousin. Finger millet (ragi) kheer is darker. Wholegrain bajra kheer uses whole grains rather than ground.
vi. Common questions
What is millet pudding?
Millet Pudding is millet-and-jaggery porridge sweet, from indian & south asian cuisine. The result is nuttier, more rustic, and arguably more interesting; pearl millet has a faintly grassy depth that rice does not bring
Where is millet pudding from?
Millet Pudding is from the indian & south asian dessert tradition; the recipe and history are detailed above.
How long does millet pudding keep?
See the storage note in the Quick facts panel: 3 days refrigerated.