You may have heard of and tasted many types of kheer, such as rice kheer, sabudana kheer, or even carrot and bottle gourd kheer. But have you ever heard of onion kheer? This unique dish was created during the Nizam's era when there was a severe shortage of rice. This kheer was not only special but also had an incredibly delicious taste.
How was onion kheer discovered?
The story dates back to a time when a famine struck the Nizami Sultanate of Hyderabad. There was a severe shortage of rice, but it was essential to maintain the tradition of sweet dishes. In this situation, the royal chefs devised a new method and made the unique experiment of making kheer from onions. Although it sounds strange, the taste of this kheer turned out to be so spectacular that it became a special part of the Nizami kitchen. Gradually, this dish gained popularity in Hyderabad and the surrounding areas.
What was special about this kheer?
The biggest feature of this kheer was that despite using onions, its aroma and pungency were not felt at all. To prepare it, the onions were first cooked in a special way, making their taste soft and sweet. Then it was cooked with milk, nuts, saffron, and honey, making it extremely delicious and fragrant.
How was onion kheer made?
Ingredients
• 2 large onions (finely chopped)
• 1 liter milk
• ½ cup honey or jaggery
• ¼ cup cashews and almonds (finely chopped)
• A pinch of saffron
• ½ teaspoon cardamom powder
• 2 tablespoons ghee
Method
1. First, lightly sauté the onions in ghee to remove their bitterness.
2. Now add milk and cook over low heat until the onions are completely dissolved.
3. Then add honey, saffron, cardamom powder, and nuts and cook for 10-15 minutes.
4. When the kheer thickens, serve it hot or cold.
Still available in the Nizami style
Even today, this unique kheer is made in some special places, especially in some traditional kitchens of Hyderabad and Old Delhi. However, it has now been given a slightly modern twist, but its authentic Nizami taste remains. Although the discovery of this kheer was out of necessity, it proves that there is no shortage of innovation in Indian cuisine.
Even in the absence of rice, the chefs kept the tradition of sweet dishes alive and gave the world a new recipe. If you want to try something new and experience the taste of history, onion kheer could be an excellent option.
