Badam Kheer/Badam Milk/Almond Pudding

Ingredients –  Serves 6-8 people

2 cups blanched almonds(soak almonds in water,peel and then grind to paste along with little milk)
1/4 -1/2 cup sugar (sugar substitute works too)
1-1/2 -2 cups milk, as needed for consistency (use low fat for lower calories)
1/4 cup ghee (you can use less or none to suit your needs)
1 tsp cardamom powder
few strands of saffron
few blanched almonds for garnish (optional)


Method:
Take a non stick pan and add ghee (if using) and add the almond paste. Cook it in low heat for 20-30 minutes until it gets thick and turns lightly golden


Heat rest of the milk until hot and then slowly add it to the almond paste. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes and then add sugar. Stir well.


Add the cardamom powder and the saffron.


Cook for another few minutes until everything is well dissolved.


I prefer to serve it chilled, garnished with blanched almonds.


Note:If it becomes thickened with time, add little more warm milk to the almond mixture.