Fruit And Nut Kheer Recipe is a creamy and refreshing fasting dessert prepared with milk, roasted makhana, nuts, cardamom and seasonal fruits. Unlike traditional rice kheer, this vrat-friendly version is grain-free and uses makhana as its main ingredient, making it a popular choice for Sawan Somwar and other fasting days.

Sawan is considered an auspicious month dedicated to Lord Shiva, and many devotees observe fasts on Mondays, known as Sawan Somwar. During these fasts, regular grains may be avoided, with meals often prepared using vrat-friendly ingredients such as makhana, fruits, milk, nuts and certain root vegetables.

This fruit and nut kheer recipe combines the creamy texture of slowly cooked milk with the crunch of roasted makhana and nuts. Fresh fruits such as apple and pomegranate add natural sweetness, colour and texture. The result is a simple dessert that can be served warm or chilled.

What Is Fruit And Nut Kheer?

Fruit and nut kheer is a milk-based dessert made with makhana, nuts, fruits and aromatic spices. Makhana, also known as fox nuts or lotus seeds, is widely used in Indian fasting recipes.

For this fruit and nut kheer recipe, makhana is lightly roasted in ghee and then added to thickened milk. Almonds, cashews, pistachios, raisins and cardamom provide flavour and texture, while seasonal fruits are added after the kheer has cooled slightly.

Adding fruits after cooking is important because some fruits can change the texture of milk if cooked for too long. Fresh fruits also retain their texture and provide a pleasant contrast to the creamy kheer.

Why Make Fruit And Nut Kheer For Sawan Somwar?

This fasting-friendly dessert is easy to prepare and uses ingredients that are commonly included in vrat meals.

• Vrat-friendly: Made without rice or regular grains.

• Creamy and filling: Milk and makhana provide a satisfying base.

• Naturally sweet: Ripe fruits can add sweetness without requiring much added sugar.

• Rich in texture: Roasted makhana and nuts provide a pleasant crunch.

• Easy to customise: You can use different fruits and nuts according to preference.

• Suitable for festive occasions: It works well as a dessert for Sawan Somwar and other religious occasions.

Fasting rules can vary between households and regions, so always check whether every ingredient is permitted according to the vrat tradition you follow.

Fruit And Nut Kheer vs Regular Rice Kheer

Although both desserts are milk-based, their ingredients and preparation are different.

Quick Recipe Information

Recipe Type: Dessert
Cuisine: Indian
Diet: Vegetarian, Vrat-friendly
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients For Fruit And Nut Kheer Recipe

• 1 litre full-fat milk

• 2 cups makhana or fox nuts

• 10 almonds, chopped

• 10 cashews, chopped

• 8 pistachios, chopped

• 2 tablespoons raisins

• 1 apple, chopped

• ½ cup pomegranate seeds

• ½ teaspoon cardamom powder

• 2–3 tablespoons jaggery powder or sugar, optional

• 1 teaspoon ghee

Optional Fruit Choices

You can customise the fruit and nut kheer recipe with fruits such as banana, grapes, chikoo or other seasonal fruits. Choose ripe fruits for natural sweetness.

If you are preparing the kheer for fasting, make sure the fruits and other ingredients you select are permitted under your particular vrat rules.

How To Make Fruit And Nut Kheer Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Makhana

Heat ghee in a pan over low to medium heat. Add the makhana and roast them for several minutes, stirring continuously, until they become crisp.

To check whether they are properly roasted, take one makhana and press it lightly. It should feel crisp rather than chewy.

Transfer the roasted makhana to a plate. Crush about half of them coarsely while keeping the remaining makhana whole.

Step 2: Heat the Milk

Pour the milk into a heavy-bottomed pan and bring it to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the milk thickens slightly.

Avoid cooking the milk over very high heat because it can stick to the bottom of the pan.

Step 3: Add the Makhana

Add the crushed and whole roasted makhana to the milk. Stir well and allow the mixture to simmer for several minutes.

The crushed makhana will help thicken the kheer, while the whole pieces will provide texture.

Step 4: Add Nuts and Spices

Add chopped almonds, cashews, pistachios, raisins and cardamom powder. Stir everything together and continue cooking for a few minutes.

If you prefer a sweeter kheer, add a small amount of sugar or another sweetener permitted during your fast.

Step 5: Cool Before Adding Fruits

Remove the kheer from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. Add the chopped apple and pomegranate seeds once the kheer is warm rather than piping hot.

Mix gently so the fruits remain intact.

Step 6: Serve

Transfer the fruit and nut kheer recipe to serving bowls. Garnish with additional chopped pistachios, almonds, makhana or fresh fruit.

It can be enjoyed warm or chilled according to your preference.

Tips To Make The Best Fruit And Nut Kheer

Follow these simple tips for a creamy and flavourful kheer:

• Roast the makhana properly so it remains crisp and develops a pleasant nutty flavour.

• Crush some makhana while keeping some whole for a better texture.

• Cook the milk over low to medium heat and stir regularly.

• Avoid adding fresh fruits while the milk is extremely hot.

• Use ripe fruits to naturally enhance the sweetness.

• Add sugar or jaggery according to your taste and fasting requirements.

• Chill the kheer before serving if you prefer a refreshing dessert.

• Add fruits just before serving if you want them to retain their freshness.

How To Make Fruit And Nut Kheer Healthier

The recipe can be adjusted to suit your preferences without compromising its creamy texture.

Use naturally sweet fruits and reduce the amount of added sugar. You can also control the amount of ghee used to roast the makhana.

Adding a variety of nuts provides different textures and flavours, while seasonal fruits can add fibre and micronutrients. If you are following a specific dietary plan, choose the type of milk and portion size that suits your needs.

Avoid adding condensed milk if you want to keep the recipe simpler and control the amount of added sugar.

Nutrition In Fruit And Nut Kheer Recipe

The following values are approximate and may vary depending on the exact ingredients, milk type, sweetener and serving size.

What Fruits Go Best In Fruit And Nut Kheer?

Several fruits can work well in this dessert. Apple and pomegranate are particularly convenient because they retain their texture and add freshness.

Other options include:

• Banana

• Grapes

• Chikoo

• Apple

• Pomegranate

Use fruits according to the season and your preferred combination. If you are preparing the kheer during a vrat, make sure the fruits you choose are permitted according to your fasting tradition.

Can Fruit And Nut Kheer Be Served Chilled?

Yes. After preparing the kheer, allow it to cool and refrigerate it before serving. Chilled kheer has a thicker, creamier consistency and makes a refreshing dessert during the warmer months.

If you plan to serve it chilled, keep the kheer slightly thinner while cooking because it will naturally thicken as it cools.

FAQs

Is fruit and nut kheer recipe suitable for Sawan Somwar fasting?

Yes. This fruit and nut kheer recipe is made with commonly used vrat ingredients such as makhana, milk, fruits and nuts, making it a suitable dessert option for many Sawan Somwar fasting traditions. However, fasting rules vary, so check the ingredients against the specific tradition you follow.

Can fruit and nut kheer be made without sugar?

Yes. Ripe fruits can provide natural sweetness. If you prefer additional sweetness, you can add a small amount of jaggery or another fasting-approved sweetener.

Which fruits are best for fruit and nut kheer?

Apple, pomegranate, banana, grapes and chikoo can work well. Apple and pomegranate are especially suitable because they add freshness and texture without making the kheer overly soft.

Can I make fruit and nut kheer without makhana?

Yes, but makhana gives this fasting version its characteristic texture and helps replace rice commonly used in traditional kheer. If you omit it, the consistency and overall recipe will be different.

Can I prepare fruit and nut kheer in advance?

Yes. You can prepare the milk and makhana base in advance and refrigerate it. For the freshest texture, add chopped fruits shortly before serving.

Can fruit and nut kheer be served warm?

Yes. It can be enjoyed warm or chilled. If you plan to add fresh fruits, allow the kheer to cool slightly before mixing them in.

Final Thoughts

This fruit and nut kheer recipe is a simple and creamy dessert that brings together roasted makhana, milk, nuts, cardamom and seasonal fruits. Its grain-free base makes it a convenient choice for many Sawan Somwar fasting menus.

Whether served warm after a fasting meal or chilled as a refreshing dessert, this kheer offers a combination of creamy, crunchy and fruity textures. Adjust the sweetness, fruits and nuts according to your preference and the fasting rules you follow.