Introduction
Kheer, also known as Indian rice pudding, is a rich and creamy dessert made with rice, milk, sugar, and a blend of aromatic spices. Perfect for festivals, family gatherings, and celebrations, it’s an indulgent treat that can be enjoyed warm or chilled. Its smooth texture, combined with the flavor of cardamom and saffron, makes it a festive favorite.
🍽️ Prep Time, Cook Time, Servings
| Preparation Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 mins | 25 mins | 35 mins | 4–6 servings |
📝 Ingredients
For the Kheer:
- ½ cup basmati rice (washed and soaked for 15 minutes)
- 4 cups full-fat milk
- ½ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp ghee
- 4–5 cardamom pods (crushed)
- A pinch of saffron strands (soaked in warm milk)
- 10–12 cashews
- 10–12 almonds (sliced)
- 10–12 pistachios (chopped)
- A few strands of rose petals (optional)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the rice
Wash and soak the rice for 15 minutes. Drain the water before cooking.
Step 2: Cook the rice in milk
In a heavy-bottomed pan, add the soaked rice and milk. Bring to a boil and then simmer on low heat. Stir occasionally and cook for about 20–25 minutes until the rice becomes soft and the milk thickens.
Step 3: Add sugar and spices
Add sugar, cardamom, and saffron milk to the rice and milk mixture. Stir well to combine and cook for another 5 minutes.
Step 4: Fry nuts in ghee
In a separate small pan, heat ghee and fry cashews, almonds, and pistachios until golden brown. Add them to the cooked rice mixture.
Step 5: Serve and garnish
Once the kheer is ready, serve it warm or chilled. Garnish with rose petals and additional fried nuts if desired.
🔍 Nutrition Table (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~200 kcal |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 18g |
⚠️ Nutrition Note
- Contains dairy and nuts; adjust for allergies.
- Can be made with plant-based milk for a vegan option.
- Adjust sugar for a lighter version if needed.