SWEET POTATO KHEER
(SHAKKARKANDI KHEER)

Sweet potatoes are starchy and sweet root vegetable. Sweet potatoes are loaded with nutrients like vitamins, minerals and fiber. They are also rich in antioxidants which protect our body from.free radicals and help with chronic disease. Fiber and antioxidants promote good gut health. Beta carotene in sweet potatoes helps in improved eye vision and health.
It is said that sweet potatoes are favourite of Lord Shiva. On Mahashivratri – a festival celebrated in honour of Lord Shiva – Sweet potatoes are offered to Lord Shiva. Sweet potato halwa/sheera is especially prepared on this day. Also many fasting recipes are prepared using sweet potatoes. I have prepared sweet potato kheer/pudding which is commonly known as Shakarkandi Kheer. Shakarkandi is Hindi name for sweet potato. This deliciously rich and creamy kheer is perfect for fasting.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4 persons

Ingredients:
3 medium sized sweet potatoes
1 liter full cream milk
1/2 tsp saffron (soaked in milk)
1 tsp cardamom powder
1 tbsp almond flakes
1 tbsp pistachio flakes
1/4 cup sugar (or as needed)

Method:

1. Wash sweet potatoes very well and pressure cook ot for one or two whistles. We need parboiled. Then peel and grate it.
2. Add milk in thick bottom pan and turn on the flame. After one boil, turn the flame to slow and let it simmer for five minutes. Stir occasionally.
3. Then add grated sweet potato and cook for seven to ten minutes. The kheer turns thicker now.
4. Add sugar, cardamom powder and saffron. Cook for few more minutes.
5. Lastly add almonds and pistachio flakes and turn off the flame.
6. Our rich, creamy kheer is ready to serve. Serve hot , warm or chilled as you wish.