Badam kheer

(serves 4)

Prep time: 20 mins Cooking time: 40 mins

Ingredients 250g almonds 1 litre milk 1 tsp green cardamom, peeled and powdered 150g sugar pinch saffron 2 drops almond essence (optional) 2 tbsp almond slivers, to serve

Method: 1. Soak almonds in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until they peel easily. Peel and grind to a smooth paste using a little milk. 2. Bring remaining milk to a boil in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add powdered cardamom and reduce heat to low. 3. Add almond paste and stir to ensure there are no lumps. Add sugar, saffron and almond essence, if using. Stir until sugar is dissolved and pudding thickens. 4. Remove from heat, leave to cool then refrigerate until cold. Garnish with almond slivers and serve cold.