Indian

Classic Rice Kheer

Rice kheer simmers rice in milk until the grains break and the milk thickens around them.

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Classic Rice Kheer

1 hr 40 mintotal

1 hr 10 min hands-on30 min hands-off

Prep 30 min · Cook 40 min

Serves
2
Difficulty
Easy
Spice
None

Ingredients

Quantities are for 2 servings.

You'll need: Stovetop.

Includes soaking time.

Method

  1. Drain the soaked basmati rice completely.

  2. In a heavy-bottomed wide pan, gently bring the full-fat milk to a rolling boil on medium heat.

  3. Lower the flame to a simmer and add the soaked rice. Stir deliberately to prevent the grains from sticking to the bottom.

  4. Cook on low heat for 25-30 minutes, stirring every 3-4 minutes and scraping the caramelised milk solids from the sides back into the pan; that is where the depth comes from.

    25–30 min3–4 min

  5. Once the rice is completely tender and the milk has reduced to a rich, thickened state, incorporate the sugar and the saffron-infused milk.

  6. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the sugar dissolves seamlessly and the kheer reaches a velvety consistency.

    5–7 min

  7. Fold in the cardamom powder and the chopped nuts. Stir to combine, then remove from the heat.

  8. Serve warm or elegantly chilled, according to your preference.

How to tell it's done

The kheer should be luxuriously creamy and flowing, with completely soft rice grains that melt in the mouth.

Nutrition

Per serving, from 2 servings.

296kcal

Where the calories come from

  • Protein9.9 g13%
  • Carbohydrate40.2 g54%
  • Fat11.1 g33%
Saturated fat
4.9 g
Fibre
0.8 g
Sodium
107 mg
Potassium
401 mg
Calcium
292 mg
Iron
0.6 mg

Estimated by calculation from the ingredient list, using USDA FoodData Central. Not a laboratory analysis.

Getting it right

Tip

Slightly crush the soaked rice with your fingers before adding to the milk; it releases starch quickly and makes the kheer thick and creamy without extra cooking.

What to serve it with

Serve chilled in earthen pots (matkas) for a traditional rustic flavor, garnished lightly with food-grade rose petals.