Badam Ka Harira (Sweet Almond Soup, Gluten-free, Refined Sugar-free)
Badam Ka Harira is a wholesome and nourishing soup made with milk, ghee, whole spices and a paste of almonds, cashews and raw rice. This delicious winter drink is similar to Atte Ka Sheera, but this recipe is gluten-free (a small amount of ground rice acts as the thickening agent). You can use any fragrant variety of rice (my preference is Basmati). It is also mildly sweetened with jaggery. For a vegan version, simply substitute the milk and ghee with almond milk and coconut oil respectively.
Badam Ka Harira is best enjoyed warm. A soothing mug of this delicious almond soup is especially comforting on a cold night.
Recipe
Badam Ka Harira
(Makes 2-3 servings)
Ingredients
1/3 cup almonds
2 tbsp cashews
2 tbsp Basmati rice, washed and soaked in water for 30 minutes
2 1/2 tbsp powdered jaggery or sugar (add more if you prefer it sweeter)
2 1/4 cups whole milk, divided
1 tbsp ghee
1/2” piece cinnamon
2 cloves
4 green cardamom pods, lightly pounded
1/8 tsp pure almond extract (optional)
Slivered almonds and ground cardamom, to garnish
Method
Blanch the soaked almonds. Drain the rice and add both to a blender along with the cashews and 1/4 cup of milk. Blend into a smooth paste and set aside.
In a heavy-based saucepan, melt the ghee over medium heat. Add the whole spices and fry until fragrant. Add the milk and bring it to a gentle boil.
Once the milk boils, add the almond-cashew-rice paste along with the almond extract and mix well. Lower the heat and cook, stirring continuously to prevent any lumps from forming (if lumps do form, you can always pass the harira through a strainer after it cooks). Once the rice is cooked and the soup thickens, add the sweetener and stir well to mix. Simmer for a few more minutes, then turn off the heat (if using jaggery, add it once you take the harira off the heat). Remove and discard the whole spices.
Pour the almond harira into mugs or serving bowls, top with some slivered almonds and a pinch of ground cardamom. Serve hot.
