Rice Kheer Recipe | Creamy Indian Rice Pudding (Traditional)
Rice Kheer (Chawal Ki Kheer)
Creamy traditional Indian rice pudding with cardamom and nuts
Classic rice kheer — basmati rice simmered slowly in full-fat milk until thick and creamy, sweetened and scented with cardamom, saffron, and toasted nuts. A staple for festivals and pujas.
Ingredients
Main
- ¼ cup basmati rice, rinsed
- 1 litre full-fat milk
- ½ cup sugar (or to taste)
- 4 green cardamom pods, crushed
- A few saffron strands (optional)
- 2 tbsp mixed chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios)
- 1 tbsp raisins (optional)
Instructions
- Simmer rice. Bring milk to a boil in a heavy pot. Add rice and cook on low, stirring often, until rice is soft and milk thickens.
- Sweeten. Add sugar, cardamom, and saffron. Cook 5–10 minutes more until creamy.
- Garnish. Stir in nuts and raisins. Serve warm or chilled.
Pro tip: Stir frequently on low heat and use full-fat milk — that's what gives kheer its luxurious, clingy creaminess.
The Story Behind This Dish
Kheer is among India's oldest ritual sweets, offered in temples and homes for Diwali, Raksha Bandhan, and life celebrations. Slow-cooked rice in milk symbolizes abundance and sweetness shared with family.
Devi's Delish · devisdelish.com