Kheer is a classic Indian dessert made with milk, rice, and sugar, infused with the warm flavors of cardamom and topped with nuts. This rich and creamy rice pudding is a favorite during festivals, celebrations, or whenever you’re in the mood for a sweet treat.
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup basmati rice
- 4 cups full-fat milk
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped almonds and pistachios
- 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
- A few saffron strands (optional)
- 2 tablespoons raisins (optional)
- 1/2 cup mawa (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Rice:
- Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly and soak it in water for 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Rice:
- In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat the ghee over medium heat. Add the drained rice and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it turns slightly fragrant.
- Add the Milk:
- Pour in the milk and bring it to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and let the rice cook in the milk. Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Cook Until Thickened:
- Continue to cook on low heat until the rice grains are soft and the milk has thickened, stirring occasionally. This process should take about 30-40 minutes.
- Add Sugar and Flavors:
- Add the sugar, cardamom powder, saffron strands, and mawa (if using) to the thickened milk and rice mixture. Stir well and let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the kheer to reach the desired creamy consistency.
- Garnish:
- Stir in the chopped almonds, pistachios, and raisins. Mix well and cook for another minute.
- Serve:
- Serve the kheer warm or chilled, garnished with extra nuts if desired.
Tips for Perfect Kheer:
- Milk Consistency: Use full-fat milk for a rich and creamy texture. Stir frequently to prevent the milk from burning.
- Rice Soaking: Soaking the rice helps it cook faster and become softer, giving the kheer a smoother texture.
- Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of saffron for an aromatic and rich flavor. Mawa can also be added for an extra creamy consistency.
Presentation Tips:
- Serve kheer in small bowls or traditional earthenware pots for an authentic look.
- Garnish with a few strands of saffron and chopped nuts on top for a beautiful presentation.
Nutrition Chart for Kheer (per serving)
• Calories —————— 250 kcal
• Total Fat —————— 9 g
• Cholesterol ————— 25 mg
• Sodium ——————– 80 mg
• Total Carbohydrates — 38 g
• Protein ——————— 7 g
• Sugar ———————— 20 g
• Fiber ———————— 1 g
Note: These values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used and cooking methods.
