Rice Kheer is a traditional Indian dessert made with simple ingredients like rice, milk, and sugar. This creamy, aromatic dish is flavored with cardamom and often garnished with nuts like almonds and pistachios, as well as dried fruits like raisins. It’s commonly served during festivals and special occasions, symbolizing sweetness and prosperity. The slow-cooking process allows the milk to thicken and infuse with the spices, giving the kheer a rich, luxurious texture. Whether served warm or chilled, rice kheer is the perfect dessert to finish off any Indian meal.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup basmati rice
- 1 liter whole milk
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 2 tablespoons chopped almonds
- 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios
- 2 tablespoons raisins
- A pinch of saffron (optional)
- 1 tablespoon ghee (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Rice: Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak it in water for about 30 minutes, then drain.
- Cook the Rice: In a large, heavy-bottomed pan, bring the milk to a boil over medium heat. Stir frequently to avoid burning. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and add the drained rice.
- Simmer: Let the rice cook in the milk, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This process will take about 40-45 minutes. The milk will reduce and thicken as the rice cooks.
- Add Sweeteners and Flavor: Once the rice is soft and the milk has thickened, add sugar, cardamom, and saffron if using. Stir well to dissolve the sugar and evenly distribute the spices.
- Garnish: In a small pan, heat the ghee and lightly fry the chopped almonds, pistachios, and raisins for a minute or until the nuts are golden and the raisins puff up. Add this mixture to the kheer and stir.
- Serve: Let the kheer cool slightly, then serve warm, or chill in the refrigerator for a few hours if you prefer it cold. Garnish with more nuts or saffron strands before serving.
Enjoy the rich and creamy indulgence of rice kheer as a comforting dessert!
