Name: Rice Kheer | Indian Rice Pudding (6 ingredients, gluten-free) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1/3 cup uncooked white basmati rice; 4 cups whole milk (or reduced-fat 2% milk); 4 tbsp sugar (adjust based on sweetness preference); 2 tbsp cashews, chopped; 2 tbsp almonds, chopped; 1/3 tsp cardamom powder

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Introduction

Rice Kheer is a classic Indian rice pudding that’s creamy, fragrant, and subtly sweet. Made with just six simple ingredients, this gluten-free dessert is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth in a comforting way.

The image shows a bowl filled with a creamy white dish that looks thick and textured with small chunks, possibly nuts or fruit pieces, mixed inside. On top, there is a scattering of small red flower petals and a few crushed nuts in the center, adding color and texture contrast. The bowl is silver-toned and placed on a shiny golden tray with two silver spoons with copper handles resting on it. Bright red fabric with gold embroidery is draped around the bowl, creating a rich and festive look. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/3 cup uncooked white basmati rice
4 cups whole milk (reduced-fat 2% works too)
4 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp cashews, chopped
2 tbsp almonds, chopped
1/3 tsp cardamom powder

Instructions

Step 1: Rinse the basmati rice under cold water and soak it for 10 minutes. Drain before using.
Step 2: Heat a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat and pour in the milk. Whole milk is recommended, but you can also use reduced-fat 2% milk.
Step 3: Add the rinsed and drained rice to the milk. Stir frequently to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Step 4: After about 10 minutes, as the milk begins to rise and boil, reduce the heat to low-medium. Continue stirring for a few more minutes.
Step 5: Mix in the sugar, followed immediately by the chopped almonds and cashews.
Step 6: Add the cardamom powder and stir well. Keep stirring regularly to avoid sticking and ensure even cooking.
Step 7: Cook until the rice and milk blend together and the mixture thickens to a slightly runny, pudding-like consistency. If desired, lower the heat further and cook a few minutes longer for thicker pudding.
Step 8: Turn off the stove. The kheer will thicken more as it cools. For a thinner consistency, you can stir in a little extra milk before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use whole milk for the creamiest texture, but reduced-fat milk works well for a lighter version.
Toast the chopped nuts lightly before adding for extra flavor and crunch.
Add a few strands of saffron soaked in warm milk for a subtle floral aroma and color.
For a vegan alternative, try coconut milk instead of dairy milk, though consistency and flavor will vary.

Storage

Store rice kheer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring often and adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the pudding.

How to Serve

A white round bowl filled with creamy white rice pudding mixed with small beige and light brown nut pieces, topped with a small mound of crushed yellow nuts and scattered dark red rose petals. The bowl sits on a rustic wooden tray with an ornate golden handle, surrounded by loose dried rose petals, green cardamom pods, and brown cinnamon sticks. There's a silver spoon placed on the tray near the bowl, and a richly patterned red and gold fabric partially draped at the bottom left. The entire setting is on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice?

While basmati rice is traditional and gives a fragrant flavor and soft texture, you can use other long-grain white rice types. Avoid using quick-cooking or instant rice, as they may alter the texture.

Is it necessary to soak the rice?

Soaking the rice helps it cook evenly and prevents clumping, resulting in a smoother pudding. It’s recommended but can be skipped if you’re short on time; just rinse well before cooking.