Kheer

Name: Kheer
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 4 cups whole milk; 1/4 cup basmati rice, rinsed; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 tsp ground cardamom; pinch saffron strands; 1 tsp rose water; 1/4 cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped; 2 tbsp golden raisins

A creamy, aromatic Indian rice pudding slowly simmered with whole milk, sugar, cardamom, and saffron, garnished with pistachios and rose petals. Served warm or chilled.

55 minEasyServes 6250 cal/serving

IndianDessertStovetopVegetarianHalal-friendlyEgg-FreeGluten-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeAlcohol-FreeNightshade-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

4 cups whole milk
1/4 cup basmati rice, rinsed
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp ground cardamom
pinch saffron strands
1 tsp rose water
1/4 cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped
2 tbsp golden raisins

Instructions

1

Bring 4 cups whole milk to a boil in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching.
2

Add 1/4 cup rinsed basmati rice to the boiling milk. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook uncovered, stirring every few minutes, for 30-35 minutes until the rice is very soft and the milk has thickened considerably.
3

Add 1/3 cup granulated sugar and pinch saffron strands. Stir well and continue cooking for another 10 minutes until the mixture coats the back of a spoon.
4

Stir in 1/2 tsp ground cardamom and 1 tsp rose water. Add 2 tbsp golden raisins and cook for 2 more minutes.
5

Remove from heat. The kheer will thicken further as it cools.
6

Garnish with 1/4 cup finely chopped shelled pistachios. Serve warm or transfer to bowls and refrigerate until chilled.

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Questions

Is there a substitute for saffron in Kheer?

The entry for Kheer calls for pinch saffron strands. In its place: Nothing reproduces the flavor of saffron. A pinch of turmeric supplies the color only.

Can I make Kheer dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in Kheer is 4 cups whole milk. Swap the milk for unsweetened oat or soy milk. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Is Kheer vegan?

No, though it is vegetarian. What keeps it from vegan is 4 cups whole milk. For fully plant-based entries, see the vegan dessert collection.

Does Kheer contain tree nuts?

Yes: 1/4 cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped. The full allergen list for this entry is dairy and tree nuts. Where the nuts are a garnish or a texture, toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds stand in. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

How many calories are in Kheer?

One serving (the recipe makes 6) is about 250 calories, with 8 g protein, 40 g carbohydrate and 6 g fat, plus 140 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

Can I make Kheer ahead?

Yes, it takes well to being made ahead. Keep Kheer covered in the refrigerator and eat it within three days. Chilled and set desserts lose their texture in the freezer.

Serve it with

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