Kheera Gaintha
Khira Gaintha is a traditional Odia delicacy, perfect for celebrating special occasions or festivals like Baula Amavasya. This creamy dessert consists of rice balls immersed in thickened milk, flavored with cardamom, almonds, and coconut scrap. The rice balls are prepared using the Jantani method, where rice flour is cooked into a dough-like consistency and rolled into small balls. The thickened milk is prepared by simmering milk with cardamom, almonds, and coconut scrap, along with a hint of boiled rice infusion for added richness. Once the rice balls are formed, they are gently added to the thickened milk and simmered until cooked through. Khira Gaintha is served chilled or at room temperature, making it a delightful treat to enjoy with loved ones.
Ingredients
**For the Thickened Milk:**
- 1 Liter milk
- Cardamom powder
- Almonds
- Coconut scrap (desired amount for flavor)
**For the Rice Balls (from Jantani):**
- 1½ Cup Water
- A pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp Ghee
- 1 Cup Rice Flour
Instructions
#### Make the Rice Balls (from Jantani):
- In a kadhai or wide-bottomed pan, add 1 cup of water and bring it to a boil.
- Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water.
- Inn a separate bowl, mix the rice flour with water to form a smooth paste.
- Slowly pour the mixed rice flour and water paste into the boiling water in the kadhai while stirring continuously.
- Use a spoon or spatula to ensure the mixture is well combined and free of lumps.
- Allow the mixture to boil over medium heat while stirring constantly.
- As the mixture thickens, continue stirring until it forms a dough-like consistency. This process may take a few minutes.
- Once the mixture reaches a dough-like consistency, turn off the heat and let it cool slightly.
- While the mixture is still warm, knead it with 2 tsp of ghee until smooth and pliable.
- Take small portions of the dough and roll them between your palms to form small balls. Ensure the balls are smooth and free of cracks.
#### Prepare the Thickened Milk:
- In a saucepan, bring 1 liter of milk to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and let the milk simmer until it reduces by about thirty percent.
- After boiling the rice, collect about 2 spoons of the boiled rice infusion. ( Process of Jantani )
- Add the collected boiled rice infusion along with cardamom powder, almonds, and coconut scrap for flavor to the simmering milk. Stir well.
- Continue to simmer for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and set aside.
#### Form Khira Gaintha:
- Once the rice balls (from Jantani) are formed, gently add them to the prepared thickened milk.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for a few minutes.
- Allow the Khira Gaintha to cool slightly.
- Optionally, garnish with additional coconut scrap or almonds before serving.
#### Serving:
- Serve Khira Gaintha chilled or at room temperature, as desired.
- Enjoy this traditional Odia delicacy with your loved ones!
Notes
This recipe yields a delicious and creamy Khira Gaintha, perfect for celebrating special occasions or festivals. If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to ask!
Here's the calorie breakdown for the Khira Gaintha recipe:
- Milk: 1 liter (approximately 640 calories)
- Cardamom powder: Negligible calories (used in very small quantity)
- Almonds: 8 almonds (approximately 56 calories)
- Coconut scrap: Depends on the amount used (calories may vary)
- Rice flour: 1 cup (approximately 578 calories)
- Ghee: 2 teaspoons (approximately 86 calories)