Kheer Recipe

📝 About Kheer (Rice Pudding)

Kheer, also known as Chawal ki Kheer, is a traditional Indian dessert made with rice, milk, and sugar, flavored with cardamom, saffron, and dry fruits. It is a popular sweet dish during festivals like Diwali, Eid, Raksha Bandhan, and family celebrations. Rich, creamy, and aromatic, Kheer is comforting and easy to prepare.

🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4)

🔪 Preparation (Before Cooking)

1. Wash and soak rice in water for 20–30 minutes, then drain.

2. Soak almonds in hot water for 10 minutes, peel, and slice thinly (optional).

3. Soak saffron in 1 tbsp warm milk.

🥣 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

🔹 Step 1: Boil the Milk

1. Pour 1 liter full-fat milk into a heavy-bottomed deep pan or kadai.

2. Bring it to a gentle boil on medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning or sticking at the bottom.

3. Once it comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer.

🔹 Step 2: Add Rice

1. Add the soaked and drained rice into the simmering milk.

2. Cook on low heat, stirring frequently, especially from the bottom and sides.

3. Let the rice cook for 30–35 minutes, until soft and the milk thickens.

   • Stir every 2–3 minutes to avoid sticking or burning.

   • The rice should be fully cooked and the milk should reduce to about ¾ of original quantity.

🔹 Step 3: Add Sugar and Flavor

1. Once rice is soft and milk is thick:

   • Add sugar (start with ⅓ cup and increase to taste).

   • Add cardamom powder and saffron milk.

2. Mix and cook for another 5–10 minutes until sugar dissolves and flavors blend in.

🔹 Step 4: Fry and Add Dry Fruits

1. In a small pan, heat 1 tsp ghee.

2. Add cashews, raisins, and almonds. Fry on low heat until golden.

3. Add them to the kheer and stir.

🔹 Step 5: Final Simmer and Rest

1. Simmer kheer for 3–5 more minutes, then turn off the heat.

2. Let it rest for 10–15 minutes before serving (kheer thickens as it cools).

🧊 Serving & Storage

• Serve warm or chilled (cool completely before refrigerating).

• Store in the fridge for up to 2–3 days.

• If it thickens too much, add a little warm milk before serving.

💡 Tips for Perfect Kheer