Kharjura Paaysa (Dates Kheer)

Kharjura Paaysa is an easy dessert. I got this recipe from a cook book written by Kaveri B S. This dessert is simple yet tasty. The sweetness from the dates, texture from the semolina and the richness from the coconut makes it tasty.

I am a big fan of dates and eat couple of them regularly (they are rich in Iron). I have been thinking of posting this from a long time but it never happened. This dessert requires less sugar as the dates are already sweet. Do try this making this for a quick treat :)

Ingredients:

• Seedless Dates, Chopped- 1 1/4 cup
• Semolina (sooji)- 1 Tbsp
• Sugar- 1-2 Tbsp (vary accordingly)
• Thick Coconut milk* - 3/4 cup
• Ghee- 2 tsp
• Cashew nut- 1-2 tsp
• Cardamom Pods- 3-4

*You can substitute plain whole milk.

Procedure:

Chop the pitted dates.

Then cook them in a pan containing little water, until soft.

Then grind them coarsely (I used a hand blender).

Then in another pan start heating the ghee. Then add broken cashew and fry until it turns slight brown. Now add the semolina and roast it until a nice aroma is got (when the semolina is roasting make sure you have a cup go hot boiling water ready). 

Once a nice aroma is got, add the hot water carefully. Let the semolina get cooked.

Then add the ground dates and mix well. Taste the mixture and add sugar accordingly (add water if the mixture is thick).

Then finally add the coconut milk and bring it to a gentle boil. Turn off the heat and finally add cardamom powder and mix well. 

Kharjura Paaysa is ready!!

Serve it warm. Above measurement serves 2-3 people.

Note: The semolina gives thickness and texture to the paaysa (pudding). You can totally skip it, if desired.

Since we add semolina, the paaysa tends to thicken as it cools. So you can add hot milk to get the desired consistency.