Kheer or Indian Rice Pudding is possibly one of the most cherished Indian Desserts that people can never get enough of. This tasty and rich plate has a long history and is related to festal or ritual meals and special days. Finally, the beauty of this Indian Rice Pudding recipe is that even though it is very simple, the pudding provides very rich and creamy flavors that will have a lasting impression on the first instance that one takes it.
Ingredients for the Perfect Indian Rice Pudding
Using only four major ingredients including rice, milk, and sugar, Indian Rice Pudding is a true example of how simple ingredients can make amazing dishes. Adding spices like cardamom, and saffron to the dish gives aroma and taste to the rice, chopped nuts like almonds, pistachio, and cashew nut makes every sip and spoonful crunchy.
Here is the recipe for Indian Rice Pudding: To make this dish, the rice should be cooked well till it turns soft and tender. Long-grain rice is not suitable here but basmati rice is preferred for the dish as it cooks well and has a nice aroma but any short-grain rice should do equally well. After boiling the rice, whole milk is added and left to simmer for some time. The milk thins down as the Rice Pudding boils, and eventually turns thick when combined with rice and this helps Indian Rice Pudding become more appetizing.
Another fabulous aspect of this rice pudding, mostly known as Indian Rice Pudding is that it is all about customization. But the base, in this case, still stays the same for every dish and yet, one can add more or change ingredients as per personal preferences. For example, saffron used in risotto gives it a nice yellow color and a very slightly exotic taste. This creates that warm and fragrant feel of Indian cuisine that is characteristic of most Indian sweets with the help of aromatic cardamom powder. Flavoring with rose water or kewra essence further adds a layer of floral here making every morsel aromatic and delicious.
One of the major strengths of Indian Rice Pudding is that it can be prepared very easily. This can be eaten warm, at room temperature, or even cold, thus making it ideal for consumption all four seasons. Indian Rice Pudding is warm and people love to take it warm more so during the cold months of the year. For instance while in the hot summer holidays, Consumers get a chance to savor the chilled Indian Rice Pudding.
For those who would like to have more richness then another tablespoon of ghee (clarified butter) can be added to it. The concept of frying the chopped nuts and the raisins before including them in the pudding enhances the flavor profile of the pudding; it imparts a nutty kinda flavor and a hint of caramelization from the ghee.
Indian Rice Pudding also has religious importance it is used also as prasadam in temples and offered to gods during Diwali and Eid. Its method of preparation is not complicated and fancy therefore many people of all ages; the young, the children and the elders can enjoy it.
From how it has a delicious rice pudding-like texture to its moderate sweetness and a hint of aromatic, Indian Rice Pudding is a dish that is close to the heart of many. It’s perfect for a festive meal, or otherwise, it’s always gratifying for a sweet fix; this classic dish remains popular today.
For anyone interested in Indian food or who needs a nice sweet dish, Indian Rice Pudding should interest you. Because of its simple preparation, this recipe is good for all types of cooks and it contains deep, entity flavors that make this a timeless dessert.
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Classic Indian Rice Pudding Recipe (Kheer) – Creamy & Delicious Dessert
Description
Indian rice pudding, more commonly referred to as Kheer, is one of the most delicious and luxurious desserts prepared using rice, milk, sugar, and best-quality spices, including cardamom. This is a traditional Indian sweet dish that can be made for any festival or occasion. It is simple to prepare although the menu has robust flavors that make it popular among people.
Ingredients
Optional Ingredients:
Instructions
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Wash the Rice:
Rinse the rice thoroughly in cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
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Cook the Rice:
In a heavy-bottomed pot, add 1 cup of water and the washed rice. Bring it to a boil on medium heat, then lower the heat, cover, and cook for 10 minutes or until the rice is soft and has absorbed the water.
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Add the Milk:
Once the rice is cooked, add 4 cups of milk to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
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Simmer:
Reduce the heat to low and let the Indian Rice Pudding simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring frequently. The milk will thicken as it reduces, and the rice will become soft and creamy.
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Sweeten:
Add ½ cup of sugar to the pudding, stirring until it dissolves. Adjust the sweetness according to your preference.
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Flavor with Cardamom:
Stir in the cardamom powder and saffron strands (if using) into the pudding. Mix well and allow the flavors to infuse for a few minutes.
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Add the Nuts & Ghee (Optional):
In a small pan, heat 1 tbsp of ghee and fry the chopped nuts and raisins until golden. Add them to the pudding, reserving a few for garnishing.
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Final Touch:
Stir in rose water or kewra essence (if using) to add a floral fragrance. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
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Serve:
Remove the Indian Rice Pudding from the heat and let it cool slightly. Serve warm or chilled, garnished with extra nuts and saffron strands.
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 290kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 27g42%
- Saturated Fat 21g105%
- Cholesterol 8mg3%
- Sodium 80mg4%
- Potassium 620mg18%
- Total Carbohydrate 42g15%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 18g
- Protein 11g22%
- Vitamin A 390 IU
- Vitamin C 2 mg
- Calcium 190 mg
- Iron 3 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Rose Water or Kewra Essence provides a delicate floral aroma to the Indian Rice Pudding.
- Ghee is optional but adds a luxurious touch to the texture.
