Milk Dalia (Sweet Cracked Wheat Porridge)

Milk Dalia, also known as Sweet Dalia, is a comforting and nutritious Indian Wheat Porridge made with broken wheat or cracked wheat (dalia), milk and sugar. This wholesome dish is lightly flavored with cardamom and often enriched with nuts and dried fruits, making it a delicious and energizing breakfast or dessert. Cooked until creamy, this dish brings both flavor and goodness in every spoonful.

About Milk Dalia

Milk Dalia is a sweetened variation of the traditional savory and spiced Dalia Recipe, prepared using cracked or broken wheat, milk, sugar and dry fruits. It is essentially a sweet porridge that can be cooked in a pressure cooker for convenience, though a pan or instant pot can also be used.

The dish can be flavored with aromatic spices like cardamom or saffron, which add a delightful fragrance and enhance its taste.

Some variations also include a touch of ghee for added richness and depth of flavor. Fresh fruits like bananas or chopped apples can be added for extra natural sweetness.

This version, also known as Milk Dalia, Sweet Dalia (Meetha Dalia) or simply Wheat Porridge, is especially popular among children and those who prefer sweet dishes over savory ones.

While I like to enhance it with nuts like almonds or cashews, they are completely optional, and you can customize the recipe with your preferred additions.

This creamy, mildly sweet porridge is a popular comfort food in many Indian households, often enjoyed as a nutritious breakfast or a light dessert.

It is naturally rich in fiber, protein, and essential nutrients, making it an excellent choice for both kids and adults.

Whether eaten as a hearty breakfast or a light evening indulgence, this Broken Wheat Porridge is both satisfying and nourishing.

You may also like these comforting porridge and wheat-based recipes:

• Oats Porridge: Creamy and wholesome, great as a quick breakfast or light meal.
• Ragi Malt: Nutritious, smooth porridge made with finger millet flour, water or milk, and lightly sweetened.
• Overnight Oats: A no-cook, chilled dish of oats soaked in milk or yogurt and mixed or topped with fruits, nuts, and seeds for a quick breakfast.
• Instant Pot Rice Pudding: Creamy, soft rice and milk based dessert made easily in the Instant Pot with minimal effort.

Step-by-Step Guide

How to make Wheat Porridge

Pressure Cook Broken Wheat

1. Heat 1 tablespoon ghee in a 2-liter stovetop pressure cooker.

2. Keep heat to medium-low and add ½ cup broken wheat (dalia).

3. Mix it with the ghee and on low to medium-low heat and then begin to roast.

4. Stir continuously while roasting.

5. Roast on low to medium-low heat for 3 to 4 minutes. The broken wheat will become aromatic and the color will change.

6. Next, add 1½ to 1¾ cups water. If using a large cooker, add more water.

7. Stir and mix very well.

8. On medium heat, pressure cook for about 5 to 6 whistles or 5 to 6 minutes.

9. When the pressure falls down naturally, remove the lid and check if the broken wheat is cooked well. If not, add more water and pressure cook again for a few more minutes.

The dalia will become soft, turn mushy, and be easy to chew. It should not feel hard or undercooked.

Make Cracked Wheat Porridge

10. Add 1½ cups of whole milk to the cooked broken wheat.

11. Add ⅓ cup sugar or as required.

12. Mix well and keep the cooker on medium-low heat on the stovetop. Do not cover with lid.

13. Allow the mixture to heat up until it begins to simmer and then comes to a gentle boil. Keep stirring at intervals so the cracked wheat doesn’t stick at the bottom.

Alternatively simmer the dalia and milk mixture with milk in a thick heavy bottomed saucepan or pan.

14. Simmer for 8 to 9 minutes. Stir so that the milk does not stick to the bottom of the cooker. Check the taste and add more sugar, if required.

For a slightly thin Sweet Dalia, add more milk. The consistency of this is like Rice Kheer. On cooling, the dish will thicken. So, add milk according to the consistency you prefer.

15. Add ½ teaspoon cardamom powder.

16. Add 1 tablespoon chopped almonds and 1 tablespoon chopped cashews.

17. Mix well and simmer for a minute or two.

18. Serve Milk Dalia or Wheat Porridge hot or warm.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Milk Dalia can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making it a cozy meal during colder months or chilled for a refreshing summer treat.

If you have leftovers, you can keep them in the fridge for a day. It might thicken as it sits, so just add a bit of warm milk before serving.

Expert Tips

1. Roasting dalia: Always roast the cracked wheat in a little ghee before cooking. This enhances its nutty aroma and prevents it from becoming sticky. Roast until it turns light golden for the best flavor.
2. Cooking method: Cooking dalia in a pressure cooker is the quickest method and ensures a soft, well-cooked texture. If using a pan, cook it on low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, and adding water/milk gradually to prevent lumps.
3. Sweetener choices: Instead of sugar, use jaggery or dates for a healthier and naturally sweet flavor. If using jaggery, add it after the dalia is cooked and slightly cooled, as direct boiling with milk can cause curdling.
4. Enhancing flavor: Add saffron strands or a pinch of cinnamon for extra aroma and taste. A few drops of rose water or kewra essence can elevate the flavor, giving it a more traditional touch.
5. Nuts and dry fruit additions: Garnish with chopped almonds, cashews, pistachios and raisins for crunch and sweetness. Toasting nuts in a little ghee before adding enhances their taste.

FAQs

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