Kheer: A Fragrant Basmati Rice Pudding with Almonds & Pistachios

Kheer, a treasured dessert in Indian cuisine, is a creamy rice pudding that’s bursting with flavor and aroma. Made with simple ingredients like basmati rice, milk, sugar, and nuts, kheer is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed warm or chilled. 

Cardamom, a common spice in Indian cooking, adds a warm, slightly sweet fragrance to the kheer, while nuts like cashews, almonds, and pistachios provide a delightful textural contrast to the creamy rice pudding.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup basmati rice, rinsed
• 1-liter whole milk
• 4-5 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom or 3-4 cardamom pods, slightly crushed
• 1 teaspoon ghee (clarified butter)
• 3 tablespoons chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachios)
• Optional: raisins, saffron strands (soaked in warm milk for 30 mins), rosewater (1-1/2 teaspoons)

Instructions

1. Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly in cold water until the water runs clear. Soaking the rice for 15-20 minutes is optional, but it can help the rice cook more evenly and prevent it from becoming mushy. While the rice soaks, you can prepare the other ingredients.

2. Heat the ghee in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add the drained rice and cardamom (pods or ground). Saute for a minute or two, stirring constantly, until the rice becomes fragrant and translucent. The cardamom will release its aromatic oils and infuse the kheer with a warm, slightly sweet flavor.
   

3. Pour in the milk and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is softened and the milk thickens considerably. Patience is key here – stirring regularly will prevent the milk from scorching on the bottom of the pot. As the milk simmers, it will gradually reduce in volume and develop a creamy texture. The rice will absorb the milk and become plump and tender.

4. Add the sugar and stir to dissolve. Taste the kheer and adjust the sweetness to your preference. You can start with a slightly lower amount of sugar and add more to taste if desired.
   

5. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the kheer reaches your preferred consistency. If using raisins, add them now. Raisins add a delightful pop of sweetness and chewy texture to the kheer.

6. Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped nuts and saffron milk (if using). Saffron is a prized spice that adds a subtle floral aroma and a luxurious touch to the kheer. You can also add a splash of rosewater for a delicate floral fragrance. Rosewater is a common ingredient in Indian desserts and is available at most grocery stores.

7. Serve kheer warm or chilled. Garnish with additional nuts or chopped pistachios for an elegant touch.

Tips

• For a richer flavor, use full-fat milk.
• Adjust the sugar amount according to your taste preferences.
• You can substitute basmati rice with other short-grain rice varieties.
• Experiment with different nuts, dried fruits, or even chopped fresh fruits for variations.

Enjoy this delicious and comforting Indian dessert!