Rice kheer is a classic Indian dessert that is enjoyed by people of all ages. This creamy and sweet dish is made by cooking rice in milk and sweetening it with sugar. The addition of cardamom, saffron, and other spices gives rice kheer its distinctive flavor and aroma. This dish is often served during celebrations, festivals, and special occasions, but it can also be enjoyed as a comforting and satisfying dessert any time of the year. Rice kheer is a versatile dish that can be made with just a few basic ingredients and can be easily customized to suit your tastes. Whether you are looking for a comforting dessert to end a meal or a sweet treat to satisfy your cravings, rice kheer is an excellent choice that is sure to please.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make rice kheer:
Rice: The main ingredient in rice kheer is, of course, rice. Use a long-grain variety such as Basmati rice for best results.
Milk: Full-fat milk gives the best texture and flavor to rice kheer, but you can also use low-fat or skim milk if you prefer.
Sugar: To sweeten the kheer, you will need sugar. You can adjust the amount of sugar to your liking, but remember that rice kheer should be sweet, as it is a dessert.
Cardamom: This spice gives rice kheer its classic Indian flavor. You can use either freshly ground cardamom seeds or cardamom powder.
Saffron: Saffron is optional, but it gives rice kheer a lovely yellow color and a unique flavor.
Ghee or Clarified Butter: Ghee is used to cook the rice, and it gives the kheer a rich and buttery flavor. If you don’t have ghee, you can use clarified butter or oil instead.
These are the must have ingredients for rice kheer, look at the variations below to know how you can amp it up.
Variations of Rice Kheer
Rice kheer is a versatile dessert that can be easily customized to suit your tastes and preferences. Here are some popular variations of rice kheer:
Nutty Rice kheer: To add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to your kheer, you can add a handful of chopped nuts such as almonds, pistachios, or cashews. You can also add some nutmeg or cinnamon for extra flavor.
Fruity Rice kheer: For a fruity twist on the classic kheer, you can add dried fruits such as raisins, dates, or figs. These add a sweet and chewy texture to the kheer and make it even more delicious.
Chocolate Rice kheer: For a rich and indulgent kheer, you can add some chocolate chips or grated chocolate to the mixture. This will give the kheer a creamy and chocolaty flavor that everyone will love.
Rose Rice kheer: To add a delicate and floral flavor to your kheer, you can add a teaspoon of rose water to the mixture. This will give the kheer a sweet and floral flavor that’s perfect for special occasions.
Mango Rice kheer: For a tropical twist on the classic kheer, you can add some pureed mango to the mixture. This will give the kheer a sweet and juicy flavor that’s perfect for summertime.
These are just a few of the many variations of Rice kheer that you can try. With these simple additions, you can easily customize your kheer to suit your tastes and preferences, and make it a unique and delicious dessert.
Step by Step instructions
Here’s how to make Rice kheer step by step:
Rinse the rice: Rinse 1 cup of long-grain rice (such as Basmati) in a fine-mesh sieve to remove any dust or impurities.
Cook the rice: In a large saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee or clarified butter over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice to the pan and stir it occasionally for 2-3 minutes until it is lightly toasted.
Add the milk: Pour 5 cups of full-fat milk into the saucepan with the rice. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let the rice and milk simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is cooked and the mixture has thickened.
Sweeten the kheer: Once the rice is cooked, add 1 cup of sugar to the pan and stir to dissolve. You can add more or less sugar to taste.
Add the spices: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cardamom and a pinch of saffron (optional) to the pan and stir to combine. Let the kheer cook for a few more minutes until it has thickened to your desired consistency.
Serve: Once the rice kheer has thickened, remove the pan from heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve the kheer warm or chilled, garnished with nuts or dried fruits of your choice, if desired.
Tips to help you make perfect rice kheer every time
Here are some tips to help you make perfect rice kheer every time:
Use full-fat milk: For the creamiest and richest kheer, it’s best to use full-fat milk.
Cook the rice until tender: Make sure to cook the rice until it is fully tender, as undercooked rice can make the kheer grainy.
Stir frequently: Stir the kheer frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning.
Sweeten to taste: Add sugar to taste, as the amount of sugar you’ll need will depend on how sweet your taste buds prefer it.
Use good quality spices: Use fresh and good quality spices to get the best flavor in your kheer.
Serve warm or chilled: Rice kheer can be served warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
Store in the refrigerator: If you have leftovers, store the kheer in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days.
Conclusion
Rice kheer is a classic dessert that is loved by people of all ages. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, anyone can make this delicious dessert in their own kitchen. Whether you prefer it plain or with variations such as nutty, fruity, or chocolate, Rice kheer is a dessert that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. By following the tips provided above, you can make perfect Rice kheer every time. So, go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy this creamy and delicious dessert with your family and friends!