My grandmother used to make this "kheer" for Nagpanchmi. and she would send a huge parcel to our home along with many other goodies. I used to feast upon the rest of the goodies except this so-called kheer. How can a kheer be without sugar? I used to argue. But that is a delicacy. This cheppi i.e. sugarless kheer is my mom's favorite. and it is really sugarless. No hidden agenda here. No jaggery, no honey, no sugar substitute, no agave nectar, no maple syrup, nothing!!! If you are not familiar with the Konkani cuisine, you may feel that the cook has forgotten to add the sugar!!;-)
Now that I am all grown up, I too relish the delicate taste and flavor turmeric leaves and coconut milk impart to this unique porridge.
Turmeric leaves are quite unique and are used in Konkani/Malvani/Goan cuisine. I have never seen them at our local Indian stores. So here's how I get them. :-D
Cheppi Kheer
Sugarless Basmati Porridge
Ingredients
1/4 cup basmati or ambemohar or delhi rice (or any fragrant rice)
3/4 cup water
1 cup fresh coconut milk
2 fresh turmeric leaves, tied in knots
A pinch of salt
Method
1. Wash and drain the rice. Add water & bring it to boil.
2. Lower the gas and let it cook till the rice is soft.
3. Add coconut milk and turmeric leaves knots and keep stirring till it comes to a gentle boil.
4. Switch off the gas. Add a pinch of salt. Cover with a lid.
5. Serve warm.
Notes -
1. You can add some jaggery if you absolutely have to. but then you are really & totally deviating from the original cheppi kheer. The whole idea of this kheer is to relish the flavor of the turmeric leaves and delicate natural sweetness of coconut milk and fragrance of Basmati.
11 comments:
Meera, this kheer has memories of me as a kid trying to throw a tantrum for adding sugar..though not my fave, I do remember the leaves lending a lovely flavor to this dish! :D tks for sharing.
Interesting!
does the little salt make it savoury, as in namkeen?
Purnima:
I never ever tasted this as a kid because it didn't make any sense to me then!!:-D I now love that delicate flavor though.
Rashmi:
No. The salt is really a smallest pinch to flavor the rice. It should not overpower the flavor of coconut milk.
Meera this is something I have never heard of and will try soon, just have to see where I can get Turmeric leaves here.
Sounds delicious! A bit like congee. I think it may be true of most kids that a dish like this does not appeal so much without sugar, but as your taste buds mature, you come to appreciate it.
Oh yes, I rememeber this..On some special function days, it used to be made in my native, but I always used to take it always like a speck. Din't like it except like u said, the Haldi paan flavour that it had..
wow, I have to learn a lot from you in planting! I just saw your post about turmeric leaves and was amazed! Great Job Meera!
The kheer is totally new to me. looks awesome!
I love dhanvi kheeri... have made it just once though... for my Gauri pooja last year. http://chefatwork.blogspot.com/2007/09/patoli-nevryo-and-narlya-kheeri-coconut.html
Your post brought back memories... I have haldi paan... I think I shall make this soon.
hi,it looks great without sugar.it will be good news for diabatics....
Hi Meera
Thanks for the cheppi kheeri recipe. I will try it today.
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