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Creamy traditional Indian kheer made with rice and milk.

Kheer

A creamy, traditional Indian rice pudding simmered with milk, sugar, and cardamom.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Soaking time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1/4 cup basmati rice rinsed and soaked for 20 minutes, then drained
  • 4 cups full-fat milk whole milk
  • 1/3 cup sugar adjust to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon green cardamom powder freshly ground preferred
  • 1 tablespoon ghee optional, for frying nuts
  • 2 tablespoons mixed nuts slivered almonds and pistachios

Equipment

  • 1 Heavy-bottomed pot Helps prevent the milk from scorching during long simmering.

Method
 

  1. Rinse the basmati rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Cover with water and let soak for 20 minutes, then drain.
  2. Pour the full-fat milk into a heavy-bottomed pot and bring it to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.
  3. Reduce the heat to low. Add the drained rice to the simmering milk and stir well.
  4. Simmer uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes, stirring frequently and scraping down the sides of the pot, until the milk has reduced by half and the rice grains are completely soft and mushy.
  5. Stir in the sugar and green cardamom powder. Cook for another 5 minutes until the sugar is fully dissolved and the kheer reaches a thick, creamy consistency.
  6. If desired, heat the ghee in a small pan and lightly fry the mixed nuts until fragrant, then stir them into the kheer. Serve warm or chilled.

Notes

Kheer thickens significantly as it cools. Keep this in mind if you prefer a runnier consistency.