Rice kheer recipe

 Rice kheer is a traditional Indian dessert made with rice, milk, and sugar, and flavored with aromatic ingredients like cardamom and saffron. It's rich, creamy, and mildly sweet—perfect for celebrations or even as a comforting dessert after a meal. Here's a detailed recipe to help you create this delicious treat at home.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup basmati rice (or any long-grain rice)
• 1 liter full-fat milk
• 1/4 to 1/3 cup sugar (adjust according to your taste)
• 2-3 cardamom pods (crushed or powdered)
• A few strands of saffron (optional but adds a rich aroma and color)
• 2 tablespoons chopped almonds, cashews, and pistachios (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon raisins (optional)
• 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter, optional but adds richness)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Rinse and Soak the Rice

Begin by rinsing the rice thoroughly in water to remove excess starch. Once the water runs clear, soak the rice in water for 30 minutes. Soaking helps the rice cook faster and blend well with the milk.

2. Boil the Milk

In a heavy-bottomed pan, bring the milk to a boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally to avoid scorching. Using full-fat milk ensures a rich and creamy kheer.

3. Cook the Rice

After the milk comes to a boil, drain the soaked rice and add it to the milk. Stir well. Lower the heat and let the rice cook in the milk, stirring frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom. This step takes about 25-30 minutes, and you'll notice the milk thickening as the rice softens.

4. Add Sweetness and Flavors

Once the rice is fully cooked and the kheer has thickened to your desired consistency, add sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Then, add crushed cardamom and saffron strands (if using). The saffron will give the kheer a subtle golden hue and a warm flavor.

5. Fry the nuts (optional)

In a small pan, heat ghee and lightly fry the chopped almonds, cashews, pistachios, and raisins until they are golden and fragrant. This step adds a rich, nutty flavor to the kheer. Add the fried nuts and raisins to the kheer, reserving a few for garnish.

6. Simmer and Serve

Simmer the kheer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add a little more milk at this stage. Once done, remove the pan from the heat and let the kheer cool slightly.

7. Garnish and Enjoy

Serve rice kheer warm or chilled, garnished with the reserved nuts. It tastes great both ways! You can also sprinkle a pinch of saffron or a dash of cardamom powder for extra flavor before serving.

Tips for the Perfect Rice Kheer:

• Consistency: Kheer tends to thicken as it cools, so you might want to make it slightly runnier than your desired consistency.
• Sweetness: Adjust the sugar according to your taste. Some people like their kheer to be mildly sweet, while others prefer it on the sweeter side.
• Milk options: While full-fat milk gives the best results, you can use low-fat milk for a lighter version. You can also substitute a part of the milk with condensed milk for extra creaminess.
• Serving suggestions: Rice kheer pairs well with Indian meals, and it is often served during festivals like Diwali, Eid, or during special occasions.

Final Thoughts

Rice kheer is not only delicious but also a comforting dessert that brings warmth and joy to any meal. Whether you make it for a festive celebration or as a sweet treat for yourself, this traditional recipe is bound to become a favourite. Give it a try, and enjoy the timeless flavors of this classic Indian dessert!

Happy cooking!