Prunes,Oats & Dates Kheer (A healthy & tasty delight)

Shree Ganeshaya Namaha- 

This invocation is common in most of the Hindu households. Translated,it says Salutations to you 'O Ganesha'. The pot-bellied icon of Hindu mythology has a multifaceted persona  and is revered not only for removing obstacles and warding off evil but also for manifesting knowledge and wisdom. Daily routines as well as new endeavors begin after remembering Ganesha. 

Such is the power  of the elephant headed deity that HE is worshipped by many  transcending religions,caste and sect. For me HE is a pretty picture of portly merriment. HE & me share a very pally relationship and HE is privy to all of the myriad emotions I pass through. HE is a friend, an ally whom I talk to regularly and get the load off my chest. 

With Ganesh Chaturthi (celebrating the birthday of Ganesha) just around the corner, the most loved and revered deity is ready to come home. I remember the fun outings with my mom to get the idol and after careful examination of many a pieces the one that tugged the heartstrings had our attention.  The idol we got home was generally a clay one with a hint of colour in the tuskers. However, it was only during my time in Mumbai I understood and appreciated the revelry that accompanies in bringing the idol home. It is a sight to behold in the whole of Maharashtra. What follows is a fun family affair with feasts & prayers hogging the limelight. The day the idol is bid goodbye an equally royal farewell is given to the Lord. A teary revelry follows.For the past few years, I make an idol at home usually with turmeric Powder (the left pic) as this is eco-friendly and the joy of bringing life to the idol has no match.

When the Avant Garde Cookies decided for the Ganesha Celebrations for Month2 :Week 1, I was elated. It is time to  propitiate and indulge in festive fervor. And festival among other things means good food  and sweet indulgences. While the usual delights such as Kozhukattai/modak (Sweet & Savory Dumplings),ladoos make an appearance, this healthy as well as yummy Payasam can be a welcome touch to the menu.  Payasam/Kheer with dates,prunes and oats gives that health kick to this delicious treat !

Hubby dearest recently got a packet of Del Monte's Premium Pitted Californian prunes and we have been hooked ever since. The prunes aka the dried plums is a treasure house of nutrients and this recipe is perfect for the Del Monte Blogger recipe Carnival run by Indiblogger, with a chance of getting featured in World Foody.com 

Ingredients :- 
(Prep Time : 30 mins; Cooking Time : 20 mins;Serves : 4)

• Full Cream Milk - 1/2 litre + extra to soak the dates & prunes
• Sugar - to taste
• Cardamom powder - a generous pinch or two
• Dates - 10 (pitted) - I used Lion's Dessert King Dates
• Prunes - 5 or 6 (pitted) - I used Delmonte's Premium Pitted Californian Prunes
• Oats - 2 tbsp - I used Quick Cooking Quaker Oats
• Coconut Milk - about 50 ml to 100ml - or as required
• Ghee/ Clarified Butter - 1 1/2 tbsp
• Nuts - Cashews & Raisins - as required

Useful Pointers

1.	You can use some condensed milk too while simmering the milk. This not only helps thicken but adds some extra oomph. Be sure to adjust the sugar accordingly.
2.	The sweetness of the dates needs to be accounted while adding the sugar. I eyed the measurement for it to satiate my sweet tooth
3.	The final result may be a little thick. You can add warm milk if required to dilute.
4.	You can serve the Kheer with finely chopped pistachios or dates

Here's How :-

Chop the pitted dates and prunes roughly and soak them in little warm milk for 15-30 minutes. Add the coconut milk and pulse the dates-prunes mix to a fine paste. Dry roast the oats on a gentle flame till they turn golden. Grind it along with the dates & prunes mix for a smooth paste. Add more coconut milk if required.

In a separate pan warm the ghee/clarified butter and let the cashews and raisins sizzle and plump up. Set aside.

Bring the milk to a boil and lower the flame. Let it simmer till the quantity reduces to roughly 2/3rd of original . Now add sugar to taste. Let the mix come to a roaring boil and simmer for a few minutes till fully dissolved. Add the cardamom powder and mix well.

Finally add the oats-dates-prunes combo and mix well. Bring it to a boil and let it be on flame for a minute or two while continuously stirring.Tip in the nuts sizzled in ghee on top. Serve warm or chilled.

E.N.J.O.Y