Kheer Recipe (Rice Pudding)

Kheer Recipe is a very famous treditional Indian dessert food made by simmering rice in milk. It’s sweetened with sugar and flavored with aromatic spices like cardamom, often garnished with nuts like almonds, cashews, and sometimes raisins. Saffron may also be added for color and fragrance. Kheer can be served warm or chilled and is a popular dish during festivals and special occasions in India.

Discover a delicious homemade kheer recipe, and Learn how to prepare this creamy Indian Kheer (rice pudding)infused with aromatic spices nuts and saffron for a perfect dessert treat

Here’s a basic Kheer recipe to make delicious kheer at home

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup basmati rice 1 liter whole milk
• 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• A pinch of saffron strands (optional) 4-5 green cardamom pods, crushed or powdered
• 2 tablespoons chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios)
• A few raisins (optional) 1 teaspoon ghee (clarified butter)

Instructions

1/ Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for about 20-30 minutes. Drain the water completely.

2/ In a heavy-bottomed pan or a non-stick pot, heat ghee over medium heat. Add the soaked and drained rice to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously.

3/ Pour in the milk and let it come to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and let the rice cook in the milk, stirring occasionally. This will take around 30-40 minutes for the rice to cook and the mixture to thicken. Keep scraping the sides of the pan to prevent the milk from sticking.

4/ Add the saffron strands (if using) to the milk. Crush the strands between your fingers before adding to release more flavor and color.

5/ Once the rice is completely cooked and the mixture has thickened to a creamy consistency, add sugar and crushed cardamom pods. Stir well until the sugar dissolves.

6/ Add the chopped nuts and raisins (if using) to the kheer, reserving some nuts for garnishing.

7/ Let the kheer simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally.

8/ Turn off the heat and allow the kheer to cool down for a few minutes.

9/ Garnish the kheer with the reserved nuts.

10/ Serve warm or chilled, according to your preference. You can refrigerate the kheer for a few hours before serving if you prefer it chilled.

Enjoy your homemade delicious kheer recipe!

Note: Adjust the sweetness according to your taste. You can also add a few drops of rose water or a pinch of nutmeg for additional flavor variations in your Kheer Recipe.

Some Tips and Tricks For Making Kheer (Rice Pudding)

Rice selection: Use long-grain rice like basmati for the best texture. Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch before using it in the recipe.

Milk: Whole milk works best for a rich and creamy kheer.

Simmering: Stir the kheer frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and to ensure even cooking.

Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste preferences. Remember that the kheer will thicken slightly as it cools, so the sweetness might intensify.

Spices: Crush or powder the cardamom seeds for maximum flavor. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or a few drops of rose water for added aroma.

Nuts and raisins: Toast the nuts lightly in ghee before adding them to the kheer for enhanced flavor. Soak the raisins in warm water for a few minutes before adding them to the kheer to plump them up.

Saffron: If using saffron, soak the strands in a tablespoon of warm milk for a few minutes before adding them to the kheer to release their color and flavor.

Consistency: The kheer will thicken further as it cools. If it becomes too thick, you can adjust the consistency by adding a little warm milk before serving.

Chilling: If serving chilled, allow the kheer to cool to room temperature before refrigerating. It’s best served cold with a garnish of chopped nuts.

Storage: Kheer can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. If it thickens too much upon cooling, add some milk while reheating to bring it back to the desired consistency.

Following these tips can help you create a delicious and perfectly textured kheer for your enjoyment!

Nutrition Facts

The nutritional information for kheer can vary based on the specific ingredients used and the serving size. Here’s a general approximation for the nutritional content in a typical serving of kheer (approximately 1 cup or 250 grams):

• Calories: Around 300-350 calories
• Fat: Approximately 8-10 grams
• Saturated Fat: Around 4-5 grams
• Cholesterol: Approximately 20-30 milligrams
• Carbohydrates: Roughly 50-60 grams
• Sugar: Around 25-35 grams
• Protein: Approximately 8-10 grams
• Calcium: Roughly 20-25% of the daily recommended intake

Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities used in your homemade kheer recipe. Adjustments like using reduced-fat milk or less sugar can affect the nutritional content.

(FAQs) About Kheer (Rice Pudding)

What is kheer?Kheer is a traditional Indian rice pudding dessert made by cooking rice in milk and sweetening it with sugar.

Can I use any type of rice to make kheer?While traditionally basmati rice is used for its fragrance and texture, you can use other varieties of rice too. However, the choice of rice can affect the texture of the kheer.

How do I prevent the kheer from sticking to the bottom of the pan?Stirring the kheer frequently while it simmers is essential to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.

Can I make kheer without dairy (milk)?Yes, you can make dairy-free versions of kheer using alternatives like coconut milk, almond milk, or condensed coconut milk for a lactose-free or vegan option.

How long can I store kheer?Kheer can be stored in the refrigerator for about 2-3 days. Ensure it’s stored in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave before serving.

Can I adjust the sweetness of the kheer?Yes, you can adjust the sweetness according to your preference. Add sugar gradually, taste, and adjust as needed. Some people also use alternatives like jaggery or sweeteners like stevia.

Can I make kheer ahead of time?Yes, you can prepare kheer in advance. It’s often served chilled, so making it ahead of time and allowing it to cool in the refrigerator can save time when serving.

What are some variations of kheer?There are numerous variations of kheer. Some popular ones include adding fruits like mango or pineapple, using different types of nuts, or incorporating flavors like rose water or saffron for a unique taste.

Is kheer served hot or cold?Kheer can be served both hot and cold, depending on personal preference. It’s commonly enjoyed chilled, especially during hot weather, but some prefer it warm.