After posting a picture of Kalamra on facebook today, I have got a few requests of the recipe so I thought I’d do a quick post for you all. And here it is, you lovely people.
Muslims all over the world are gearing up for the celebration of Holy Prophet Muhammed’s (SAW) birthday this time of the year; and among them Bohras celebrate this occasion with a bowl of colorful sweet dish known as Kalamra. It is one of those specialties that appears in the thaal once a year across every household and celebrated with great fervor. Off all the traditional sweet dishes that I have grown up eating, Kalamra is hands down one of my favorite – a simple treat made from most humble of ingredients is all it takes to keep me insanely happy even today. While it looks a lot like Kheer, it has the minimal amount of milk with creamy texture. It is yogurt that makes this dish special and stand out from other counterparts.
Isn’t the most uncomplicated of things more extraordinary?
Always make it in quantity enough for home and to share with neighbors; because such occasions are meant to be.
If you make this recipe, kindly share your photos and feedback with the #thoughtsoverchai on Instagram and Facebook. I’d love to see your creations!
Kalamra
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients:
{serves 4}
- Small grain rice – 2 cups
- Milk – 1/3 cup
- Sugar – 1/3 cup (or more if you’d like it sweeter)
- Salt – just a pinch
- Yogurt – 2 cups
- Water – 1 cup, or more
For garnishing :
- Pistachios, slivered
- Pomegranate pearls
- Rose petals
- Any other dry fruits you’d prefer {like raisins & almonds}
Method:
In a pan, wash and drain rice. Add in salt, water and milk; and cook on medium heat until fully cooked. Let cool. Add rice, yogurt and milk in a blender and grind well. Do a taste test to add more sugar if required. Pour out in serving bowls and garnish. Kalamra is always offered chilled; so refrigerate for a couple of hours before serving.
