Apple Coconut Kheer

Apple Kheer is mainly associated with the festival of 'Mahashivratri' Delicious and crunchy apple fruit is notable for its impressive nutrients, and anti-oxidants. Their components are essential for normal growth, development and well-being. Apples are low in calories; 100 g of fresh fruit slices provide only 50 calories. They, however, contain no saturated fats or cholesterol. Apple fruit contains good quantities of vitamin-C and beta-carotene. Vitamin C is a powerful natural antioxidant. Consumption of foods rich in vitamin C helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals from the body. These vitamins help as co-factors for enzymes in metabolism as well as in various synthetic functions inside the body. Apple also contains a small amount of minerals like potassium, phosphorus, and calcium.

A healthy and sweet dessert prepared with apple and milk

Prep time            : 10 mins                     Cook time: 15 mins               Serves: 4

Ingredients	Quantity
Milk(full cream)	750 ml
Sugar	1 cup
Apples(peeled and grated)	3
Grated coconut	1 cup
Saffron	Few strands
Rose essence	1-2 drops
Cardamom powder	¼ tsp.
Dry fruits(cashews, raisins, almonds) & saffron	For garnishing

Method

1. Put ghee, nuts and coconut in a microwave safe bowl and microwave on high for 2 mins. Or in a pan, fry for few minutes.Boil the milk in a heavy bottomed pan and after one boil stir well. Stir and cook on a medium flame till the milk gets reduced to half and is creamy. Add sugar and stir until the sugar is dissolved. 2. Grate the apples and add to the milk and simmer for 5 minutes. Now add grated apple, dissolved saffron and cook until apple is properly cooked, for about 5-7 minutes, stirring continuously.3. Add the rose essence and garnish with cashews and almonds4.Remove from the flame, sprinkle cardamom powder, cashews and almonds on top.Serve warm or chilled. Or Cool and kept in refrigerator for 2 hours or till chilled.

 Notes

Keep stirring the milk in between to prevent overflow. Use a big bowl to prevent the milk from overflowing .This kheer will be very liquidy.It tastes best when chilled.