As the fragrant notes of cardamom waft through the kitchen, I’m reminded of countless gatherings where Kheer (Indian Rice Pudding) stole the spotlight. This creamy dessert has a way of wrapping you in warmth, making it not just a treat, but a cherished memory woven into the fabric of celebration. Using nothing but premium basmati rice, full-fat milk, and a touch of saffron, this nourishing dish is gluten-free and vegetarian, ensuring everyone can savor its delights. One of the best parts? It’s incredibly easy to whip up, and can be enjoyed warm or chilled, making it perfect for any occasion. So, are you ready to dive into this comforting world of flavors and create your own bowl of Kheer?

Why is Kheer a Must-Try Dessert?

Rich, Creamy Texture: This Kheer (Indian Rice Pudding) is luxuriously creamy, thanks to high-quality ingredients like whole milk and Arborio rice, ensuring a delightful mouthfeel in every bite.

Cultural Comfort Food: Perfect for celebrations or cozy evenings at home, it brings a piece of Indian heritage right to your kitchen.

Versatile Treat: Enjoy it warm or chilled, making it adaptable for any season or occasion.

Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps to follow, you’ll find making Kheer a breeze even for novice chefs!

Crowd-Pleaser: Its enchanting flavors make it a dessert that’s sure to impress—serve it at gatherings or family dinners for that extra touch of warmth.

And if you love comfort desserts, check out my Chicken Rice Casserole for another delightful recipe!

Kheer Ingredients

• Gather these essentials for delicious Kheer (Indian Rice Pudding)!

For the Rice Base
• Basmati Rice (¼ cup) – The primary starch providing the pudding’s delightful texture. Organic is recommended for better quality.
• Arborio Rice (¼ cup) – Adds a luscious creaminess due to its high starch content; can be substituted with more basmati if needed.

For the Milk Mixture
• Whole Milk (2 quarts) – Essential for achieving that rich creaminess; avoid reduced-fat options for the best texture.
• Sugar (½ cup) – Sweetness is key; feel free to use brown sugar or natural sweeteners like honey, just adjust the cooking times.
• Rice Flour (2 tablespoons) – This thickener enhances creaminess and is essential for that perfect texture.
• Golden Raisins (2 tablespoons) – Adds a touch of sweetness and chewiness, making each bite delightful.

For the Flavorings & Garnishes
• Heavy Cream (2 tablespoons) or Ghee (1 tablespoon, optional) – Adds a rich finish; choose cream for a lighter touch or ghee for added depth.
• Ground Cardamom (1 teaspoon) – Infuses warm, aromatic flavors; adjust to your preference for richness.
• Rose Water (2 teaspoons) – Key to the authentic Kheer experience, offering lovely floral notes.
• Almond Slices (2 tablespoons) – For a satisfying crunch and flavor boost.
• Pistachios (1 tablespoon, unsalted, slivered) – Optional, but they add lovely texture and color to your dish.
• Saffron (¼ teaspoon, optional) – For a luxurious touch and beautiful color; crush it before adding for better infusion.
• Additional Nuts/Rose Petals (for garnish) – Elevate the presentation and flavor of your Kheer!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Kheer (Indian Rice Pudding)

Step 1: Soak the Rice
Begin by thoroughly rinsing ¼ cup of basmati rice and ¼ cup of Arborio rice until the water runs clear. Soak them in fresh water for about 1 hour to soften. After soaking, drain well and lightly crush some of the basmati rice with your palm for improved texture in your Kheer.

Step 2: Boil the Milk
In a heavy-bottomed pot, pour in 2 quarts of whole milk and bring it to a vigorous boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. This should take around 8-10 minutes. Ensure that the milk bubbles gently but doesn’t overflow, which can happen quickly as it approaches boiling.

Step 3: Cook the Rice
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and carefully add the drained rice mixture to the pot. Stir well to combine, and let it simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring often to avoid sticking. You’ll notice the milk starting to thicken as the rice absorbs the liquid and becomes tender.

Step 4: Sweeten the Mixture
After 30 minutes, stir in ½ cup of sugar, and continue to cook the Kheer for another 30 minutes on a gentle simmer. Keep stirring occasionally to blend the sweetness and ensure the rice remains well incorporated. By this time, the mixture should be creamy, with the rice softening beautifully.

Step 5: Enhance the Creaminess
To achieve an extra creamy texture in your Kheer, scoop out about a cup of the cooked mixture and mix it with 2 tablespoons of rice flour, forming a smooth paste. Stir this back into the pot and let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flour to thicken the dessert further.

Step 6: Add Raisins and Simmer
Now, mix in 2 tablespoons of golden raisins, which will add a lovely chewy texture to your Kheer. Let the mixture simmer for an additional 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors. You’ll notice it becoming even richer and more aromatic as the raisins plump up in the warming mixture.

Step 7: Infuse Flavor and Garnish
Incorporate 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or 1 tablespoon of ghee, along with 1 teaspoon of ground cardamom and 2 teaspoons of rose water into the Kheer. Allow it to simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The fragrant spices will create a warm aroma, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Step 8: Achieve Ideal Consistency
Stop cooking the Kheer when it reaches about 75% of the desired thickness; it will continue to thicken as it cools. Gently stir it and monitor the texture—aim for a rich, velvety consistency that’s neither too runny nor overly thick, but just right for serving.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Your Kheer (Indian Rice Pudding) is ready to be served warm or chilled! Pour it into small bowls or decorative cups and garnish with additional almond slices, slivered pistachios, and rose petals if desired. Experience the comforting flavors and rich texture of this traditional dessert, perfect for any occasion!

Kheer (Indian Rice Pudding) Variations

Feel free to embrace your culinary creativity and make this Kheer uniquely yours with these delightful twists!

Dairy-Free: Swap whole milk with coconut milk for a creamy, vegan version that still retains its indulgent texture.
Coconut milk adds a hint of tropical flavor, enriching the dessert while catering to dairy-free diets perfectly.
Nut Medley: Use a mix of walnuts, cashews, and almonds to create a diverse texture and a flavor explosion.
Each nut brings its unique crunchy joy, making every spoonful an adventure for your taste buds.
Saffron-Infused: Increase saffron to ½ teaspoon for an even richer, more luxurious flavor and color.
This will elevate your Kheer to a truly extravagant treat that dazzles in both taste and presentation.
Choco Kheer: Stir in cocoa powder or finely grated dark chocolate for a decadent twist on the traditional recipe.
Chocolate lovers will adore this alternative; it beautifully complements the sweetness while offering a rich depth.
Fruity Delight: Add finely chopped mango or ripe bananas for a refreshing fruity note.
Fruit can brighten the flavor profile, making it a perfect summer dessert you can’t resist!
Spiced Up: Incorporate a touch of nutmeg or ginger alongside cardamom for a warm and comforting spiced flavor.
These spices add a cozy element, making it feel like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings.
Caramel Drizzle: Top with a drizzle of caramel sauce before serving for an extra touch of sweetness and richness.
This addition can transform your Kheer into a gourmet dessert that steals the show at any gathering.

And if you’re in the mood for something a bit different, don’t miss checking out my delightful One Pan Rice recipe for another cozy meal option!

What to Serve with Creamy Kheer (Indian Rice Pudding)

Prepare to elevate your dessert experience with delightful pairings that complement the rich sweetness of this beloved Indian treat!

Crispy Puri: These flaky, deep-fried breads add a textural contrast, making each bite of Kheer feel even more indulgent. They can be enjoyed alongside for a delightful crunch!
Fresh Fruit Salad: A burst of vibrant, fresh fruits like mangoes and strawberries balances the creamy Kheer, providing a refreshing and light counterpoint.
Spiced Tea: A warm cup of chai or spiced tea enhances the flavors of Kheer, wrapping you in comforting warmth while the spices play beautifully together.
Toast with Cardamom Butter: A slice of buttered toast infused with cardamom offers a delightful pairing! The smooth butter melds with the Kheer, creating a unique taste experience.
Pista Lassi: This cooling yogurt drink garnished with pistachios brings a creamy tang that complements the sweetness of Kheer and offers a nice change in flavor.
Coconut Barfi: This sweet, dense treat made with coconut provides richness and extra sweetness, which pairs beautifully with the creamy rice pudding, enhancing the dessert experience.
Rose Petal Chutney: Accompany your Kheer with a light touch of this fragrant chutney to enrich flavors and create an exotic twist, perfectly contrasting Kheer’s sweetness!
Chocolate Truffles: For a modern twist, serve decadent chocolate truffles alongside the Kheer for a luscious meld of flavors, adding an unexpected gourmet touch to the dessert table.

Make Ahead Options

These Kheer (Indian Rice Pudding) preparations are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy this comforting dessert with minimal fuss during busy weeknights. You can soak and drain the basmati and Arborio rice up to 24 hours in advance, keeping them covered in water in the refrigerator to prevent drying out. Cook the Kheer mixture (without adding cream, cardamom, or rose water) and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the Kheer gently on the stove, stirring to achieve a silky texture, then finish by incorporating the cream and flavorings. This way, you’ll have a delicious, ready-to-enjoy dessert that tastes just as good as fresh!

Expert Tips for Perfect Kheer

Frequent Stirring: Stir the Kheer regularly during the first 30 minutes of cooking to prevent it from sticking to the pot or boiling over.
Quality Milk: Opt for organic or grass-fed whole milk for richer flavor and creaminess. Avoid reduced-fat milk for the best results.
Rice Soaking: Don’t over-soak the rice; one hour is ideal. Over-soaking can lead to mushy Kheer, affecting the final texture.
Timing Adjustments: If you’re using a slow cooker or instant pot, adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure the Kheer cooks evenly.
Consistency Monitoring: Keep an eye on the Kheer as it cooks, and stop when it’s about 75% thick; it’ll continue to thicken while cooling, giving you the perfect texture.
Flavor Balance: Customize the sweetness by adjusting the sugar to your taste; remember that Kheer can be topped with additional sweeteners later if desired.

How to Store and Freeze Kheer

Fridge: Keep Kheer (Indian Rice Pudding) in an airtight container for up to 5 days. This prevents the dessert from absorbing fridge odors, preserving its delicious flavors.

Freezer: For longer storage, pour Kheer into freezer-safe containers, ensuring room for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating: To enjoy previously frozen Kheer, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk for creaminess.

Serving Tip: Always stir well before serving, as Kheer may thicken upon cooling, and a splash of milk will restore its smooth texture.

Kheer (Indian Rice Pudding) Recipe FAQs

What type of rice is best for making Kheer?
Using a combination of basmati and Arborio rice is ideal. Basmati provides the texture while Arborio contributes to creaminess. I recommend using organic basmati rice for better flavor, but if you only have one type, stick with basmati for a classic Kheer.

How should I store Kheer?
You can keep Kheer (Indian Rice Pudding) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure it’s covered tightly to prevent it from absorbing any odors from your fridge, which can alter its delightful flavor.

Can Kheer be frozen?
Absolutely! To freeze Kheer, pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It can be stored this way for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and gently reheat on the stove, adding a splash of milk to restore its creamy texture.

What should I do if my Kheer turns out too thick?
In case your Kheer becomes too thick while cooking, don’t worry! Simply add a bit more milk to the pot and stir well to incorporate. Let it simmer on low heat for a few more minutes, and it should eventually reach the desired creamy consistency. The key is to monitor the thickness closely as it cools after cooking.

Is Kheer safe for people with dietary restrictions?
Yes! Kheer is a gluten-free and vegetarian dessert, making it suitable for many dietary preferences. However, if you have a nut allergy, be sure to skip the nuts or use safe alternatives. Additionally, you can swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version, catering to those with lactose intolerance.

What if I want to enhance the flavor of my Kheer?
You can personalize your Kheer by adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg, or using different types of nuts. Adjust the amount of cardamom and rose water to suit your taste—start with smaller amounts and add more until you reach your preferred flavor profile. Enjoy getting creative!