Description
This Creamy Kheer Recipe brings you India’s most beloved dessert — a luxurious, slow-cooked rice pudding simmered with milk, sugar, cardamom, and saffron. It’s the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, served hot or chilled, and ideal for festivals, family dinners, or quiet nights in. A comforting dessert that celebrates tradition, warmth, and indulgence in every spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Core Ingredients
- 1/2 cup basmati rice
- 1 liter (4 cups) full-fat milk
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 8–10 saffron strands (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped almonds
- 2 tablespoons chopped cashews
- 1 tablespoon raisins
Optional Add-Ins
- 2 tablespoons condensed milk for extra creaminess
- A pinch of nutmeg for depth of flavor
- A few drops of rose water or kewra water for fragrance
Instructions
- Wash and Soak the Rice: Rinse basmati rice until the water runs clear. Soak for 20–30 minutes to help it cook evenly.
- Boil the Milk: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, bring milk to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring often to prevent sticking.
- Add Rice and Simmer: Drain soaked rice and add it to the milk. Reduce heat and simmer for 35–40 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Sweeten and Flavor: Once rice softens and milk thickens, add sugar, cardamom powder, and saffron. Stir and cook for another 5–10 minutes.
- Roast and Add Nuts: In a small pan, heat ghee and roast almonds, cashews, and raisins until golden. Add them to the kheer and mix well.
- Serve: Enjoy warm for comfort or chill for a refreshing dessert. Garnish with pistachios or rose petals before serving.
Notes
- Use full-fat milk for a rich, creamy texture.
- Soak rice before cooking to ensure smooth, soft grains.
- Add sugar only after rice has softened completely.
- Stir frequently to prevent burning or sticking.
- Garnish with nuts and saffron just before serving for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Creamy Kheer Recipe, Indian Rice Pudding, Payasam Recipe, Kheer with Saffron, Traditional Indian Dessert, Milk Rice Pudding, Gluten-Free Indian Dessert, Sweet Festival Recipe, Diwali Dessert, Cardamom Kheer