Kheer Rice Pudding

1. Kheer

Kheer is a traditional Indian dessert made with rice, milk, sugar, and a variety of spices and flavors. Here is a recipe for a basic version of kheer:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of basmati rice
• 4 cups of milk
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
• 1 tsp of saffron strands (optional)
• 1/4 cup of sliced or chopped almonds and/or raisins (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice in water several times until the water runs clear.
2. In a heavy-bottomed pot, bring the milk to a boil.
3. Add the rice and stir well.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer, stirring occasionally, for 30-40 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the mixture has thickened.
5. Stir in the sugar and cardamom powder, and saffron if using.
6. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the sugar is fully dissolved.
7. If desired, stir in the almonds and/or raisins.
8. Remove from heat and let it cool.
9. Serve chilled, garnished with more nuts or raisins if desired.

Note: You can adjust the sweetness level according to your taste. Also, you can use whole milk, low-fat milk, or a non-dairy milk of your choice.

2. Coconut and CardamomRice Pudding

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of basmati or jasmine rice
• 2 cups of coconut milk
• 1 cup of water
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 1 tsp of cardamom powder
• 1 tsp of vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp of salt
• 1/4 cup of shredded coconut (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice in water several times until the water runs clear.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, coconut milk, water, sugar, cardamom powder, vanilla extract, and salt.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, covered, for 18-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the pudding has thickened.
4. Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
5. Stir in the shredded coconut, if using.
6. Serve warm or chilled, garnished with more shredded coconut if desired.

Note: You can adjust the sweetness level according to your taste. Also, you can use sweetened or unsweetened shredded coconut as per your preference.

3. Indian Rice Pudding with Coconut Milk

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of basmati or jasmine rice
• 2 cups of coconut milk
• 1/2 cup of sugar or jaggery
• 1 tsp of cardamom powder
• 1 tsp of saffron strands (optional)
• 1/4 tsp of salt
• 1/4 cup of shredded coconut (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice in water several times until the water runs clear.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, coconut milk, sugar or jaggery, cardamom powder, saffron strands (if using), and salt.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, covered, for 18-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the pudding has thickened.
4. Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
5. Stir in the shredded coconut, if using.
6. Serve warm or chilled, garnished with more shredded coconut or chopped nuts if desired.

Note: You can adjust the sweetness level according to your taste. Also, you can use sweetened or unsweetened shredded coconut as per your preference. Additionally, you can also use jaggery as a sweetener instead of sugar for a more authentic Indian taste.

FAQs

Q: What is Kheer rice pudding?

A: Kheer is a traditional Indian rice pudding made with milk, rice, sugar, and flavored with cardamom, saffron, and nuts.

Q: What type of rice is best for Kheer?

A: Basmati rice is commonly used for Kheer, but you can also use any long-grain rice.

Q: Can I use dairy-free milk for Kheer?

A: Yes, you can use dairy-free milk like almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk for Kheer.

Q: How do I make Kheer?

A: To make Kheer, you cook rice in milk, sugar, and cardamom until the rice is tender and the mixture has thickened. Then, add saffron and nuts before serving.

Q: Can I make Kheer ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make Kheer ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a few days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Q: How do I add flavor to Kheer?

A: To add flavor to Kheer, you can use cardamom, saffron, rose water, or other spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. You can also add nuts like almonds, pistachios, or cashews.

Q: Can I make a vegan version of Kheer?

A: Yes, you can make a vegan version of Kheer by using dairy-free milk and vegan butter or margarine.

Q: What can I serve with Kheer?

A: Kheer is often served as a dessert by itself, but you can also serve it with other Indian desserts like Gulag Jamie or Ra Masai.