Kheer

Kheer vegetarian recipe

This rich Kheer is a slow-cooked Indian rice pudding. You'll love how the basmati rice gets super tender, soaking up all that creamy milk and sweet spice.

Ingredients

  • 0.5 cup basmati rice
  • 6 cups whole milk
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 teaspoon cardamom powder
  • 0.25 cup unsalted pistachios
  • 0.25 cup blanched almonds
  • 2 tablespoons golden raisins
  • 1 pinch saffron threads (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash 0.5 cup basmati rice thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear. Soak the washed rice in 1 cup of water for 30 minutes.
  2. While the rice is soaking, roughly chop 0.25 cup unsalted pistachios and 0.25 cup blanched almonds. Set aside.
  3. In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, combine 6 cups whole milk and the drained, soaked 0.5 cup basmati rice. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Once the milk boils, reduce the heat to low. Let the kheer simmer gently, uncovered, for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring frequently (every 5-10 minutes) to prevent the milk from scorching at the bottom and to help the rice break down. The kheer should thicken considerably and the rice grains should be very soft.
  5. After the kheer has thickened, add 0.75 cup granulated sugar, 0.5 teaspoon cardamom powder, 2 tablespoons golden raisins, and the chopped 0.25 cup unsalted pistachios and 0.25 cup blanched almonds. If using, add 1 pinch saffron threads.
  6. Continue to cook for another 15-20 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sugar is fully dissolved and the kheer reaches your desired creamy consistency. It will thicken further as it cools.
  7. Remove from heat and let it cool down slightly before serving. Kheer can be served warm or chilled. Garnish with a few extra chopped nuts if desired.

View the interactive Kheer recipe