Chak Hao Kheer Recipe: Traditional Manipuri Black Rice Kheer
Dear All, here we will find the details about the Chak Hao Kheer Recipe is a striking purple-black rice pudding made from Manipur’s prized aromatic black rice, slow-cooked in milk until thick and naturally sweet. A festive Northeast Indian dessert, it’s as visually distinctive as it is flavourful.
Chak Hao Kheer at a Glance
| Cuisine | Manipuri |
|---|---|
| Country | India |
| Meal | Dessert |
| Course | Dessert / Festival Sweet |
| Food Type | Vegetarian |
| Difficulty | Medium |
| Preparation | 10 minutes |
| Cooking | 40 minutes |
| Total time | About 4.5 hours |
| Servings | 5 |
| Suggested serving | 3/4 cup |
Chak Hao Kheer Recipe Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Manipuri black rice (chak hao), soaked 3-4 hours;
- 1 litre full-fat milk;
- 1/2 cup sugar;
- a few cardamom pods, crushed;
- 2 tbsp chopped nuts (cashews, almonds);
- a few raisins.
How to Make Chak Hao Kheer
- Drain the soaked black rice and add it to a heavy-bottomed pot with milk.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring frequently, for 30-35 minutes until the rice is fully soft and the milk has thickened and turned a deep purple hue.
- Add sugar and crushed cardamom; simmer for another 5-8 minutes.
- Add chopped nuts and raisins; mix well.
- Simmer for a final few minutes until the kheer reaches a thick, creamy consistency.
- Serve warm or chilled.
Cooking Tips
Stir frequently as the milk reduces to prevent scorching at the bottom, especially given the longer cooking time black rice needs compared to regular rice. Soaking the rice beforehand helps it cook more evenly and reduces overall cooking time. The deep purple-black colour develops naturally from the rice as it cooks — no food colouring is needed or traditional.
Variations
Add a touch of coconut milk for a creamier, slightly different flavour profile. Some versions use jaggery instead of sugar for a more traditional sweetness.
Substitutions
Regular black rice varieties can substitute if authentic Manipuri chak hao isn’t available, though flavour and colour may vary slightly.
What to Serve With Chak Hao Kheer
Serve warm in cooler weather or chilled, garnished with extra nuts.
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Keeps refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk, or microwave, stirring occasionally.
Chak Hao Kheer Nutrition Facts
Nutrition varies with exact ingredients, oil quantity and serving size. Approximate values per serving:
| Calories | 240 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 36 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
Values are estimates for planning purposes and should be treated as approximate.
Potential Nutritional Benefits
Black rice is naturally rich in antioxidants compared to white rice, adding a nutritional edge to this traditional Manipuri dessert, though it remains a sugar-sweetened dish best enjoyed occasionally.
Age & Serving Guidance
Suitable for toddlers from around 10-12 months onward in small quantities, with nuts finely crushed or omitted.
For young children, take particular care with hot food, spice level, piece size, known allergies and individual chewing/swallowing ability.
Allergens & Food Safety
Allergens: Contains dairy (milk) and nuts (cashews, almonds).
Stir frequently while the milk reduces to prevent scorching at the bottom of the pot.
Chak Hao Kheer FAQs
What is chak hao?
It’s a variety of aromatic black rice grown in Manipur, prized for its distinctive purple-black colour and nutty flavour.
Why does this kheer turn purple?
The colour comes naturally from the black rice’s pigment as it cooks in milk — no food colouring is used.
Can I use regular black rice instead of Manipuri chak hao?
Yes, other black rice varieties can substitute, though the flavour and aroma may differ slightly from authentic chak hao.
Why does black rice take longer to cook than white rice?
Black rice has an intact bran layer that takes longer to soften, which is why soaking beforehand is recommended.
Is chak hao kheer very sweet?
Sweetness is adjustable through the sugar quantity; the black rice itself has a naturally nutty, mildly sweet flavour.
Can I make chak hao kheer ahead of a festival?
Yes, it keeps refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be served warm or chilled.
Is black rice healthier than white rice?
Black rice is generally considered to have more antioxidants than white rice due to its retained bran layer.
Can I make this kheer vegan?
Yes, substitute a plant-based milk like coconut or oat milk, though the texture and richness will differ from the traditional version.
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