Kheer (Rice Pudding)
Diwali festival is just around the corner, so thought of sharing one of my favorite Indian dessert called Kheer (Rice Pudding). It is a classic Indian rice pudding, that is luscious and comforting dessert that has been cherished for generations.
It can be prepared in no time with minimal ingredients that you already have in your pantry. Yes, with just three basic ingredients rice, milk, and sugar. Traditionally Kheer is prepared during festival season, especially during Diwali. Diwali is a festival where all our friends and family are gathered together to celebrate Hindu New Year’s. Our celebration is incomplete without this sweet and delicious Kheer.
Although there are many different kinds of kheer, rice kheer is one of the most common and the most delicious Indian dessert. Because of its simple ingredients, it is prepared in every household whether it be rich or poor. Kheer (Rice pudding) is often offered as a “prasad” during the auspicious occasion. If you have never tried Kheer before, now is the time – it is rich and creamy rice pudding, that is slightly thinner compared to American Rice pudding.
How is Kheer prepared?
To create this culinary masterpiece, start with fragrant basmati rice, simmered in a generous amount of full-fat milk until it achieves a luxurious, creamier, thicker consistency. If you’re vegan, Almond milk or Coconut milk can be a great substitute for full-fat milk. The slow-cooking process allows the rice to absorb the essence of the milk, resulting in a velvety texture that melts in your mouth.
The magic of Kheer lies in the infusion of cardamom and saffron, imparting a heavenly aroma and a hint of exotic spice. Cardamom is a highly fragrant spice, that adds beautiful aroma and taste to the Kheer. Saffron adds a perfect yellowish tinge of color. Sweetened with sugar or condensed milk, the kheer achieves the perfect balance of sweetness, making it a delightful finale to any meal.
For those who crave a crunchy contrast, garnish with silvered almonds, and a sprinkle of pistachios, adding both texture and a visual feast to this already divine creation.
This is optional, you can roast the rice in ghee, again it adds unique aroma and flavors. If you’re vegan you can avoid Ghee. If you’re new to Indian cooking and don’t know what Ghee is, check out my Homemade Ghee recipe to learn how to make ghee from scratch.
How is Kheer served?
Good News Kheer (Rice Pudding) is one of those desserts that can be served both warm and chilled. Served warm or chilled, Kheer is not just a dessert; it’s a journey into the heart of Indian culinary traditions – a symphony of flavors that promises to enchant your taste buds and leave you yearning for one more spoonful of this timeless delight. Kheer can be enjoyed for several days when kept refrigerated. But it never lasts that long in my house.
Can Kheer be cooked in Instant pot?
Making Kheer with Instant Pot is a breeze. Add everything in the instant pot and cook in the porridge mode for 20 mins. Release all the pressure and serve rich, creamy and delicious Kheer. You don’t have to be a chef to cook perfect Kheer.
Kheer (Rice Pudding)
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp. Ghee
- 1 cup Basmati Rice
- 4 cups Full fat mil
- ½ cup Sugar
- Few Strands of Saffron (Kesar)
- 1 tsp Cardamom powder
- ½ cup finely chopped nuts (almonds, cashew, pistachios)
- 2 pods of whole green cardamom
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash the rice with water and let it soak for at least 30mins. Drain and the rice and set it aside.
- In a large saucepan, add a tablespoon full of Ghee, soaked rice and two whole cardamom pods. Mix everything and sauté for one minute.
- Add milk and simmer over medium heat until the rice is cooked through and milk is reduced half in quantity, about 20 mins
- Stir in finely chopped almonds, pistachios, cardamom powder, and saffron. Simmer for 5 more mins over low heat.
- Ladle into serving bowls, and garnish with some more almonds and pistachios. Kheer tastes best when served chilled.
Notes
- If you’re Vegan, substitute full-fat milk with Almond milk, Oat milk or coconut milk.
- Roasting rice with ghee is optional. Kheer taste great without ghee too!
- Soaking rice for 30 mins in warm water makes the cooking process faster.
- Add more or less milk and rice to adjust the consistency.
Did you try this recipe?
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