Milk Kheer Recipe | Creamy Indian Rice Pudding with Cardamom & Nuts

Introduction To Milk Kheer Recipe

Milk kheer also known as indian Rice pudding in a classic desert made by slow cooking Basmati Rice , sugar, and cardamom until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency. Milk kheer rich texture and sweet flavor make it a beloved treat across India, enjoyed by people of all ages. We can add saffron, dried fruits, and coconut, Whether served warm or chilled, This sweet dish is commonly enjoyed during festivals and special occasions Now, Let's make milk kheer with SK in a simple and easy way.

🕒 Recipe Details:

⏱ Prep Time: 10 minutes

🍳 Cook Time: 45 minutes

🍽 Total Time: 55 minutes

👩‍🍳 Servings: 4

🧮 Ingredients For Milk kheer:

1 liter full-fat milk

1/4 cup basmati rice (washed and soaked for 30 minutes)

1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)

4-5 green cardamom pods (crushed)

A pinch of saffron strands (optional)

2 tablespoons chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios)

1 tablespoon raisins (optional)

1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)

🍚 How To Make Milk kheer at Home step -by -step Recipe:

Preparation
- Wash the basmati rice thoroughly and soak it for 30 minutes.
Cooking the Rice
- In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee. Add the drained rice and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly translucent.
Simmering
- Pour the milk into the pan with the rice. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the rice is cooked
Sweetening
- Add the sugar to the kheer and stir well. Continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Flavoring
- Add the crushed cardamom pods and a pinch of saffron (if using) to the kheer. Mix well.
Garnishing
- In a small pan, dry roast the chopped nuts and raisins until golden brown. Add them to the kheer and stir.

Serving Suggestion:

Serve milk kheer chilled in earthen bowls for a traditional touch or warm with a drizzle of rose water for a fragrant twist

See more sweet Gulab Juman , Rosogolla and Gajar ka Halwa .

🧑‍🍳 Expert Tips For Milk Kheer:

1. Use Full-Fat Milk:

For a richer and creamier kheer, use full-fat milk. It provides a better texture and taste.

2. Slow Cooking:

Cook the kheer on a low flame. Slow cooking allows the milk to thicken properly and enhances the flavors.

3. Stir Frequently:

Keep stirring the kheer frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning.

4. Pre-soak the Rice:

Soak the rice for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps the rice cook faster and blend well with the milk.

5. Add Sugar Later:

Add sugar once the rice is cooked. Adding sugar earlier can prevent the rice from cooking properly.

6. Use Saffron and Cardamom:

Adding a few strands of saffron and a pinch of cardamom powder can elevate the flavor of the kheer.

7. Nuts and Dry Fruits:

Roast the nuts and dry fruits before adding them to the kheer. This enhances their flavor and gives a nice crunch.

8. Consistency Check:

Adjust the consistency of the kheer according to your preference. If it gets too thick, you can add some boiled milk to thin it out.

9. Chill Before Serving:

Kheer tastes best when chilled. Allow it to cool down to room temperature, then refrigerate for a few hours before serving.

10. Garnishing:

Garnish with slivers of almonds and pistachios for an appealing presentation

💥 FAQs About Indian milk kheer:

Q 1.What is milk kheer?

Milk kheer is a traditional Indian dessert made from milk, rice, and sugar. It is flavored with cardamom, saffron, and often garnished with nuts and dried fruits.

Q 2.Can I make milk kheer with brown rice or other grains?

Yes, you can substitute white rice with brown rice or other grains like quinoa or millet. However, the cooking time may vary, and the texture will be slightly different.

Q3.How can I make vegan milk kheer?

To make vegan milk kheer, replace dairy milk with plant-based milk such as almond milk, coconut milk, or cashew milk. Use a vegan sweetener like maple syrup or coconut sugar instead of regular sugar.

Q 4.How long does milk kheer last in the refrigerator?

Milk kheer can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Q 5.Can I freeze milk kheer?

It's not recommended to freeze milk kheer, as the texture can change and become grainy upon thawing. It's best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of preparation.

Q 6.Why is my kheer not thickening?

If your kheer is not thickening, it might be due to insufficient cooking time. Cook the kheer on low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired consistency. Adding a little more rice or reducing the amount of milk can also help thicken it.

Q 7.What can I do if my kheer is too thick?

If your kheer becomes too thick, you can thin it out by adding more milk and gently reheating it until you reach the desired consistency.

Q 8.How can I enhance the flavor of milk kheer?

To enhance the flavor of milk kheer, you can add a few saffron strands soaked in warm milk, a pinch of nutmeg, or rose water. Toasting the nuts before adding them to the kheer can also bring out their flavor.

Q9.Can I use condensed milk in kheer?

Yes, you can use condensed milk to make kheer richer and creamier. Reduce the amount of sugar accordingly, as condensed milk is already sweetened.

Q 10 Can I use jaggery instead of suger in milk kheer?

Yes, you can use jaggery instead of sugar in milk kheer. Jaggery adds a rich, caramel-like flavor and a deep color to the kheer. However, keep in mind that jaggery can sometimes curdle milk, so it's best to add it at the end of the cooking process once the kheer has cooled slightly.

🎉 Summary on Milk kheer

Milk Kheer (Sweet Rice Pudding) is a classic Indian dessert made with milk, basmati rice, sugar, cardamom, and garnished with nuts. Slow-cooked to a creamy texture, it is rich, flavorful, and perfect for festivals, celebrations, or as a comforting sweet treat. Enjoy it warm or chilled for a delightful experience.