Benami Kheer

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Benami Kheer

Awadh Origin: Uttar Pradesh

Introduction

A mysterious Mughal-era dessert whose secret ingredient historically remained unnamed—until revealed as garlic.

Ingredients:

  • Milk, sugar/jaggery, vermicelli or broken rice, garlic slivers

  • Cardamom, nuts

  • Instructions:

  • Blanch garlic in alum water to remove odor, slice thin.

  • Slow‑cook milk with vermicelli (or rice) and garlic until thicken.

  • Sweeten with sugar/jaggery, finish with cardamom and nuts.

Pro Tips

  • Ensure garlic is odorless by blanching properly.

  • Cook slow on low flame to allow caramelization.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm or chilled as a royal dessert.

Fun Fact

“Benami” means “nameless”—chefs kept its ingredient secret in royal kitchens.