A Nutritious Indian Sweet
In the quest for healthy yet satisfying desserts, the spotlight often shines on chia pudding. However, India boasts its own indigenous superfood that offers
a comparable, if not superior, nutritional profile. This gem is Aleev seed kheer, a traditional sweet dish often referred to as halim or garden cress seeds. Food blogger and nutritionist Shivesh Bhatia has championed this humble ingredient, presenting a recipe that promises a creamy, flavorful experience without the guilt. Aleev seeds are remarkably dense in essential nutrients, particularly iron, folate, and dietary fiber, making them an exceptional addition to anyone's diet, especially beneficial for women. Bhatia's accessible recipe transforms these tiny seeds into a comforting dessert that’s both wholesome and incredibly tasty, inviting a switch from the ubiquitous chia seeds to this culturally rich Indian alternative.
Unveiling the Recipe
For those seeking a wholesome dessert that nourishes rather than overwhelms, Aleev seed kheer presents an enticing option. This naturally iron-rich dish, a staple in many Indian kitchens, transcends mere sweet indulgence by doubling as a potent source of nutrients, potentially surpassing the benefits of conventional iron supplements. A popular food blogger, known as The Food Nerds on Instagram, has recently shared a recipe for this nourishing kheer, celebrating the seeds' traditional health benefits. In a video shared on February 21, the blogger highlighted that many might mistake these seeds for chia, thus proving their point about India's understated marketing of its own superfoods. These Aleev seeds (also known as Halim seeds) are renowned for their high iron and folate content and are excellent for hormonal health. The recipe, designed to serve 8, requires 30g of aleev seeds, soaked in 130g of water for about 30 minutes. It also calls for 4 tablespoons of jaggery (adjusted to taste), 1 teaspoon each of cardamom and nutmeg powder, and 2 to 2.5 cups of milk. The preparation involves gently roasting the soaked seeds with jaggery and spices, then incorporating coarsely ground roasted nuts before cooling and mixing with cold milk.
Health Benefits Deep Dive
Aleev, or halim, seeds are veritable nutritional powerhouses, celebrated for their remarkable iron content, which is often cited as being even higher than that found in a substantial serving of spinach. These seeds, dense and deeply nourishing, have a long-standing tradition in Indian diets for their role in enhancing strength and promoting overall well-being. The food blogger aptly describes this aleev seed kheer as "India's own iron-rich superfood dessert," transforming everyday nutrition into a delightful, beneficial indulgence. Beyond their iron and folate richness, aleev seeds are traditionally consumed to support hormonal balance and boost overall physical strength, making them particularly valuable during the crucial postpartum recovery period for new mothers. Their restorative properties are believed to assist in regulating hormones and replenishing the body's depleted nutrient stores after childbirth. Consequently, aleev kheer is a customary dish prepared in numerous Indian households, serving as a comforting and rebuilding food, deeply rooted in both cultural practice and nutritional science.
