Rice Kheer, also known as Chawal Ki Kheer, is a beloved Indian dessert made from rice, milk, and sugar. This creamy, comforting pudding is often flavored with cardamom, saffron, and nuts, making it the perfect dish for festivals, celebrations, or as an everyday treat. Rice Kheer has a delicate texture and a sweet, rich taste that is loved by people of all ages. This easy recipe will guide you through making this traditional dessert with just a few simple ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup Basmati rice (or any other long-grain rice)
- 4 cups full-fat milk (for a rich, creamy texture)
- 1/4 cup sugar (adjust according to your sweetness preference)
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- A few saffron strands (optional, for color and fragrance)
- 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
- 10-12 cashews
- 10-12 almonds (chopped)
- 10-12 raisins
- 1 tablespoon rose water or kewra water (optional, for added fragrance)
- A pinch of salt (optional, to balance sweetness)
Preparation Steps:
1. Rinsing the Rice:
- Start by washing the rice thoroughly under cold running water to remove excess starch. This step will help keep the kheer from becoming too sticky. After rinsing, drain the rice and set it aside.
2. Cooking the Rice:
- In a heavy-bottomed pan, add the rinsed rice and 1 cup of water. Cook the rice on medium heat until it softens, which usually takes around 5-7 minutes. The rice should be about 80% cooked at this stage.
- Once the rice is almost cooked, add 4 cups of full-fat milk to the pan. Stir the mixture gently and bring it to a boil. Once it starts boiling, lower the heat to medium-low and let the rice simmer in the milk. Stir occasionally to ensure the rice doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
- Cook the rice and milk mixture for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is completely cooked and the milk has thickened to a creamy consistency. The milk should reduce to almost half its original quantity.
3. Flavoring the Kheer:
- While the rice and milk are cooking, take a few strands of saffron and soak them in 1 tablespoon of warm milk for 5 minutes. This step helps the saffron release its rich color and aroma into the kheer.
- Add the soaked saffron along with the warm milk to the kheer mixture. Stir to combine. The saffron will not only give the kheer a beautiful golden hue but also infuse it with a distinct, fragrant flavor.
4. Sweetening the Kheer:
- Once the rice is soft and the milk has thickened, add 1/4 cup of sugar to the kheer. Stir well until the sugar completely dissolves.
- If you prefer a lighter sweetness, feel free to reduce the amount of sugar according to your taste.
5. Tempering the Nuts and Adding Them:
- In a small pan, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee over medium heat. Add the cashews, almonds, and raisins. Fry them until golden brown and crispy, making sure not to burn the nuts. The ghee adds a rich flavor and a lovely crunch to the kheer.
- Once the nuts and raisins are fried, add them to the kheer mixture. Stir to evenly distribute the nuts and raisins throughout the dessert.
6. Finishing Touches:
- Add 1/4 teaspoon of cardamom powder to the kheer. Cardamom adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the sweetness of the rice and milk.
- If you like, you can add a tablespoon of rose water or kewra water to give the kheer an extra layer of fragrance and flavor.
- Let the kheer simmer for another 5 minutes so that all the flavors meld together. Taste and adjust the sweetness, cardamom, or saffron as needed.
7. Serving the Rice Kheer:
- Once the kheer has thickened to your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
- You can serve Rice Kheer warm, at room temperature, or chilled. It is traditionally served in small bowls, garnished with extra nuts and raisins on top.
Tips for Perfect Rice Kheer:
- Rice-to-Milk Ratio: If you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add more milk. If you like your kheer thicker, reduce the amount of milk or let it cook longer.
- Sweetener Choices: While sugar is the traditional sweetener, you can also use alternatives like jaggery, honey, or stevia for a healthier version.
- Nuts and Dry Fruits: The nuts in Rice Kheer add a delightful crunch. You can use a mix of cashews, almonds, pistachios, and even walnuts. You can also add dried figs or apricots for an extra flavor.
- Vegan Version: To make this dessert vegan, simply replace the full-fat milk with almond or coconut milk and use coconut oil instead of ghee.
- Storage: Rice Kheer can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Just be sure to reheat it before serving, adding a splash of milk to restore its creamy texture.
Benefits of Rice Kheer:
Rice Kheer is not only delicious but also a good source of calcium, protein, and carbohydrates. The addition of cardamom aids in digestion, while saffron offers antioxidant properties. Nuts and dry fruits provide healthy fats and vitamins, making this dessert a wholesome option to indulge in without guilt.
Conclusion:
Rice Kheer is a comforting and indulgent dessert that never fails to impress. Its smooth, creamy texture, combined with the richness of milk, the warmth of cardamom, and the fragrance of saffron, makes it a perfect sweet treat for any occasion. Whether you serve it during festivals, family gatherings, or simply as a delightful end to a meal, this easy Rice Kheer recipe will surely become a favorite in your household. Enjoy this traditional Indian dessert with your loved ones, and relish every spoonful of its creamy goodness!
