Kheer
AI-generated image
Vegetarian Gluten-free Indian

Kheer

A classic Indian rice pudding slowly simmered with whole milk, cardamom, saffron, and toasted nuts until creamy and fragrant. Serve it chilled for a softly set dessert or warm for a flowing, comforting finish.

65 min 6 servings Medium
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How to prepare

1
Rinse the rice briefly under cool water, drain well, and let it stand for 5 minutes while you prepare the milk.
2
Pour the milk into a heavy-bottomed 3-liter saucepan and bring it just to a boil over medium heat, watching closely so it does not scorch.
3
Stir in the rice, lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer, and cook uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes. Stir from the bottom every 3 to 4 minutes, until the grains are tender and the milk has reduced by about one-third.
Creamy kheer thickening as rice simmers in milk AI-generated image
4
Add the sugar, ground cardamom, saffron mixture, and almonds. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the pudding is glossy.
5
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the rose water and half of the pistachios. The kheer should still be slightly looser than the final serving texture.
6
Cool for 20 minutes at room temperature, then divide among six small bowls. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or serve warm if preferred.
7
Scatter the remaining pistachios evenly over each bowl and finish with a few saffron threads. Serve when the kheer is softly set and cool, or immediately if serving warm.
Chilled Indian kheer garnished with pistachios and saffron AI-generated image

Why this recipe works

Short-grain rice releases enough starch to thicken the milk naturally while slow simmering concentrates its sweetness. Cardamom, saffron, rose water, and toasted nuts give the pudding its layered fragrance and characteristic finish.

Storage and reheating

How to store it

Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The pudding thickens as it chills; loosen individual portions with a splash of milk if desired.

How to reheat it

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often and adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk per serving. Do not boil, or the milk may scorch and the texture may split.

Nutrition / serving

345kcal
11.63 gprotein
44.95 gcarbs
13.98 gfat
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Pantryvale editorial kitchen
Recipe prepared for publication with complete ingredients and ordered cooking steps.
Published 20 Aug 2026 · updated 20 Aug 2026