Rice Kheer, also known as Chawal ki Kheer, is a traditional Indian rice pudding made by simmering rice in milk and sweetening it with sugar. It’s flavored with cardamom, garnished with nuts, and often served as a dessert on special occasions.
Here’s a detailed recipe for making Rice Kheer:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup basmati rice (washed and soaked for 30 minutes)
- 1 liter whole milk
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 4-5 crushed cardamom pods (or 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder)
- A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios)
- 1 tablespoon raisins (optional)
Instructions:
- Preparing the Rice:
- Wash basmati rice thoroughly and soak it in water for at least 30 minutes. Drain the water before using.
- Boiling the Milk:
- In a heavy-bottomed pan, pour the milk and bring it to a boil over medium heat.
- Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Adding Rice and Cooking:
- Once the milk starts boiling, lower the heat and add the soaked rice to the pan.
- Simmer the mixture on low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure the rice doesn’t stick to the bottom.
- Adding Sugar and Flavorings:
- As the rice cooks and the milk thickens (after around 25-30 minutes), add sugar, crushed cardamom pods (or cardamom powder), saffron strands (if using), chopped nuts, and raisins (if using).
- Continue to cook on low heat until the rice is completely cooked, the milk thickens, and the kheer reaches the desired consistency. It should have a creamy texture.
- Cooling and Serving:
- Once the kheer reaches the desired consistency, turn off the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
- You can serve it warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
- Garnishing:
- Garnish the Rice Kheer with more chopped nuts before serving.
Rice Kheer is best served chilled and can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days. It’s a classic and comforting dessert that’s loved across many cultures in India. Adjust the sugar quantity to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy this creamy and aromatic sweet treat!
