Rice pudding, also known as kheer, is a classic and comforting dessert that is popular in many cultures around the world. It’s a creamy and flavourful dish made with rice, milk, sugar, and aromatic spices. The rice is cooked in milk until it becomes soft and tender, creating a luscious and rich pudding. Served warm or chilled, it is often garnished with nuts and a sprinkle of fragrant saffron strands. Here’s a recipe to guide you in making a delightful rice pudding:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup shahi khana basmati rice
- 4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios, cashews)
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1 tsp cardamom powder
- Saffron strands (optional)
- Rose petals (optional)
Instructions:
- Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
- In a heavy-bottomed pot, bring the milk to a boil over medium heat.
- Add the rice to the milk and stir well. Reduce the heat to low and let the rice simmer for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is cooked, and the milk has thickened.
- Add the sugar, nuts, raisins, cardamom powder, and saffron strands (if using) to the pot. Stir well and let the kheer simmer for another 10-15 minutes.
- Remove the pot from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Transfer the kheer to serving bowls and garnish with more chopped nuts, raisins, saffron strands, and rose petals (if using).
- Chill the kheer in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. Enjoy!
Note: You can adjust the sweetness of the pudding by adding more or less sugar according to your preference. If the pudding becomes too thick upon cooling, you can add a little milk to loosen it up before serving.
