Buddha Purnima is a significant festival celebrated by Buddhists around the world to commemorate the birth of Gautama Buddha who founded Buddhism. It is celebrated with much enthusiasm especially in South, Southeast, and East Asian countries. Devotees often prepare a variety of delicious vegetarian or vegan meals on this day. Today, let’s explore the vegan version of classic Indian sweet dish Kheer. 

Ingredients you are going to need:

•    1/2 cup basmati rice
•    4 cups almond milk 
•    1/2 cup coconut milk
•    1/2 cup sugar (for a healthier option, consider using jaggery)
•    1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
•    2 tablespoons chopped dry fruits (almonds, cashews, raisins and pistachios)
•    Saffron strands (optional)

Follow these steps:

Step 1- Rinse the basmati rice under cold water. Add two cups of water to the rice and set it aside to soak for 30 minutes.

Step 2- Take a saucepan and add almond milk, coconut milk, and soaked rice. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer.

Step 3- Keep stirring occasionally. Cook the rice until it becomes soft, and the mixture thickens. This may take 30-40 minutes. 

Step 4- Once the rice appears cooked, proceed to add sugar and ground cardamom to the kheer. Mix everything together and cook for another ten minutes. 

Step 5- In a separate small pan, dry roast the chopped nuts until they become light golden. Do not over roast. Add all the dry fruits to the kheer.

Step 6- When the kheer begins emanating a delightful aroma, turn off the heat, and let it cool. As the last step, add saffron strands to it. Then put it in the refrigerator. 

Kheer is best served chilled. However, some people prefer to eat it warm. Enjoy this vegan kheer as a sweet treat to celebrate Buddha Purnima with your loved ones.