By Suprita Mitter
July 31, 2024
Rice kheer is a traditional Indian dessert enjoyed during festive occasions. Made with rice, milk, and sugar, it is flavoured with cardamom and garnished with nuts and raisins. This creamy, sweet dish is easy to cook but requires some patience. It symbolises celebration and togetherness, adding a special touch to festivities.
1/2 cup basmati rice 1 litre full-fat milk 1/2 cup sugar 4-5 green cardamom pods, crushed 10-15 saffron strands (optional) 2 tbsp chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios) 1 tbsp raisins 1 tbsp ghee
Wash the basmati rice thoroughly and soak it in water for 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat the ghee and add the soaked and drained rice and sauté for a few minutes.
Pour in the full-fat milk and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Cook the rice in the milk, until the rice is fully cooked and the milk has reduced and thickened. This will take about 30-40 minutes.
Stir in the sugar and continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes. Add the crushed cardamom pods, saffron strands, chopped nuts, and raisins.
Continue to simmer the kheer for another 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Rice kheer can be served warm or chilled.