Kheer Sagar at Home – A Regal Bengali Sweet Delight

If you’re a fan of traditional Indian desserts, you’re in for a treat. Kheer Sagar, a lesser-known gem from the heart of Bengal, combines the richness of rasgullas with the creaminess of thickened milk or rabri. Often overshadowed by its more popular cousins like rasmalai or kheer, this indulgent sweet deserves its own spotlight among best Indian festival sweets.

This authentic Kheer Sagar recipe is rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re preparing sweets for Diwali, Durga Puja, Navratri, or wedding functions, this dessert adds a royal touch to your table.

🧾 Ingredients for Kheer Sagar Recipe (Serves 6–8)

For Mini Rasgullas:

For the Milk Base (Kheer/Rabri):

🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions 

🥣 Step 1: Prepare the Chhena (Paneer)

1. Bring 1 liter of full-fat milk to a boil. Once it begins to bubble, reduce the heat.

2. Add diluted lemon juice or vinegar, and stir until the milk curdles completely.

3. Strain the curdled milk using a muslin cloth and rinse the chhena under cold water to remove the sour taste.

4. Hang it for 30 minutes to remove excess moisture.

🧈 Step 2: Knead and Shape Rasgullas

1. Transfer the chhena to a plate and knead it for 7–10 minutes until smooth.

2. Roll into small balls, smaller than rasgullas — these will soak in the milk and swell.

🍯 Step 3: Cook the Mini Rasgullas

1. Boil 4 cups of water with 1 cup of sugar and 2 crushed cardamoms.

2. Drop the balls in and boil for 10–12 minutes until they double in size.

3. Remove from the syrup and keep aside.

✨ This step ensures the rasgullas are spongy and ready to absorb the rich milk — the essence of Kheer Sagar.

🥛 Step 4: Prepare the Kheer (Milk Base)

1. In a heavy-bottomed pan, boil 1 liter of milk.

2. Stir continuously and reduce it to about 60% of its original volume.

3. Add sugar, saffron, and cardamom powder. Simmer for 5 more minutes.

4. Mix in rose water and chopped nuts.

🍶 The texture should be creamy, like rabri but not too thick. This is what sets Kheer Sagar apart from other Indian kheer recipes.

🍥 Step 5: Assemble the Kheer Sagar

1. Gently squeeze excess syrup from the mini rasgullas.

2. Drop them into the hot milk mixture and simmer for 5 minutes.

3. Let the sweet rest for 1 hour so the flavors infuse.

4. Serve warm or chilled, garnished with more nuts and saffron strands.

🎉 Perfect Occasions to Serve Kheer Sagar

Kheer Sagar is ideal for:

• Durga Puja bhog and sweets table

• Diwali sweets gift box

• Indian wedding dessert

• Festivals like Holi, Raksha Bandhan, and Navratri

• Eid special sweet dishes

• Birthday celebrations or prasad offerings

It’s also great for impressing guests with a unique Indian dessert recipe that goes beyond the usual gulab jamun or rasmalai.

🥗 Nutrition Facts for Kheer Sagar (Per Serving ~90g)

This rich Indian milk dessert provides calcium and protein from milk and paneer, making it a sweet treat with some nutritional benefits — when enjoyed in moderation.

📝 Final Thoughts

Kheer Sagar is a fusion of flavor and texture – soft cheese balls dipped in saffron-cardamom flavored milk that create a truly divine experience. If you’re tired of repeating the same Indian sweet recipes during every festival, try this authentic Bengali dessert and surprise your family and guests with something unique and indulgent.