Kaddu ki kheer with jaggery is a simple, comforting dessert made from red pumpkin, milk, ghee, jaggery, saffron, cashews, and raisins. Mildly spiced with cardamom and a hint of nutmeg, this pumpkin kheer is suitable for all ages and makes an easy, not-too-elaborate sweet treat.
Kaddu ki kheer, or pumpkin kheer, is the Indian take on a pumpkin pudding. Kheer (also called payasam in some regions) is a traditional dessert often prepared for festivals and special occasions. There are many delicious variations of kheer, and pumpkin kheer is a rich, naturally sweet option that typically requires less added sweetener than other milk-based puddings.
Pumpkin (kaddu in Hindi, parangikai in Tamil) offers notable health benefits: it is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and is relatively friendly for weight-conscious eaters. Because pumpkin has natural sweetness, this kheer needs only a modest amount of jaggery or sugar to reach the desired taste.
Kaddu Kheer with Jaggery
This recipe is straightforward. The main ingredients are grated red pumpkin, full-cream milk, jaggery powder, ghee, saffron strands (optional), cashews, and raisins. For aroma and warmth, I use freshly crushed cardamom and a little grated nutmeg. If your jaggery contains impurities, dissolve it in a small amount of water, strain, and add it toward the end of cooking to prevent the milk from curdling.
There are two common methods to prepare pumpkin kheer: using grated raw pumpkin or using cooked, mashed pumpkin. This version uses grated pumpkin for a slightly textured finish. If you choose to use cooked pumpkin, steam or boil the pumpkin pieces until soft, mash them, then add them to boiled milk and continue cooking until the desired consistency is reached. In the cooked-mashed method you can skip ghee or oil if you prefer.
This kheer is an excellent dessert for pumpkin skeptics and anyone with a sweet tooth—balanced, fragrant, and comforting whether served warm or chilled.
Below are a few useful variations and tips to adapt the recipe:
VARIATIONS:
- To make a lighter version, replace ghee with a neutral oil and use low-fat milk, or omit ghee/oil altogether.
- For a vegan option, substitute regular milk with canned or boxed coconut milk and use coconut oil instead of ghee. Avoid boiling thick coconut milk on high heat for long periods to prevent separation.
- Replace jaggery with sugar if preferred, but add it at the end and avoid prolonged cooking after adding sweetener.
- To enrich the texture and flavor, stir in condensed milk, khoya/mawa, or milk powder.
- A few drops of rose or kewra essence can give an aromatic lift.
- Almonds can be added alongside cashews and raisins for extra crunch.
- Use any combination of your favorite nuts as a garnish.
Recipe
Kaddu ki Kheer with Jaggery | Kaddu Kheer
Ingredients
- 1 cup grated pumpkin Kaddu / Parangikai
- 1 teaspoon ghee
- 8-10 cashews
- 8-10 raisins
- 2.5 cups milk full cream
- 6-7 saffron strands optional
- ¼ teaspoon freshly crushed cardamom
- ¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg (jaiphal) optional
- ¼ cup jaggery powder or to taste
Instructions
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Heat ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add cashews and fry until they begin to turn golden, then add raisins and fry until they swell. Remove and set aside.
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In the remaining ghee, add the grated pumpkin. Sauté for a minute, then cook for 7–8 minutes or until the pumpkin softens, stirring occasionally.
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Lightly mash the cooked pumpkin with the back of a ladle or a masher and transfer to a plate.
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Bring the milk to a gentle boil in the same pan. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5–6 minutes.
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Add the mashed pumpkin to the milk and cook until the milk reduces to about half, stirring and scraping the pan sides frequently to prevent sticking.
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Stir in crushed cardamom, grated nutmeg, and saffron strands. Cook until the milk begins to thicken slightly.
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Add jaggery powder and mix well. Cook for only 1–2 minutes after adding jaggery to avoid curdling the milk.
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Stir in the fried cashews and raisins, then remove the pan from heat and allow the kheer to cool slightly.
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Serve the pumpkin kheer warm or chilled, garnished with additional nuts if desired.
Notes
Nutrition Disclaimer:
Nutrition information is an estimate only. Actual values vary by ingredient brands and portions. For precise nutrition details, consult a registered dietitian or use a nutrition calculator.