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Navratri Bhog Special: Jhangore ki Kheer (Barnyard Millet Kheer)
A traditional Uttarakhand dessert made with jhangora (barnyard millet / sama rice). Creamy, festive, and widely prepared during fasting days like Navratri.
Why Jhangore ki Kheer Is Special During Navratri
Navratri is a sacred nine-day festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga in her nine forms. On the first day, devotees worship Maa Shailputri, associated with purity and simplicity. White foods such as kheer are traditionally offered as bhog.
Barnyard millet — also known as sama, sanwa or bhagar — is commonly consumed during vrat when wheat and rice are avoided. This makes Jhangore ki Kheer a meaningful and traditional offering.
The Uttarakhand Connection
In the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand, jhangora has been cultivated for generations. Close to the hills and mountain climate, this millet became part of both everyday meals and festive desserts.
Jhangore ki Kheer is deeply connected to family celebrations, temple offerings and seasonal traditions.
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
- ½ cup Jhangora (Barnyard Millet / Sama Rice)
- 2 litres Milk
- ½ cup Sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp Ghee
- 2 tsp Chopped Almonds
- 2 tsp Chopped Cashew Nuts
- 2 tsp Raisins
- 1 pinch Saffron
- 2 drops Kewra essence (optional)
- ½ tsp Cardamom powder (optional)
Step-by-Step Method
- Wash and soak the barnyard millet for 1–2 hours.
- Heat milk in a heavy-bottom pan and allow it to boil.
- Add sugar and stir until dissolved.
- Drain the millet and add it to the milk.
- Cook on low flame for 15–20 minutes, stirring regularly.
- In another pan, fry nuts and raisins in ghee.
- Add saffron, cardamom and kewra essence to the kheer.
- Mix in the fried nuts and raisins.
- Serve warm as bhog or chilled as dessert.
Barnyard Millet in Fasting Traditions
Barnyard millet is commonly prepared during Navratri, Ekadashi, Mahashivratri and Karwa Chauth. Its light texture and versatility make it suitable for vrat cooking.
Explore more fasting-friendly grains in our Millet Collection and learn about barnyard millet in detail in our Barnyard Millet Guide.
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