Rice Kheer | Indian Rice Pudding (6 ingredients, gluten-free) Recipe
Rice Kheer is a traditional Indian rice pudding made with basmati rice, whole milk, sugar, nuts, and cardamom. This gluten-free dessert is creamy and fragrant, perfect for festive occasions or a comforting treat. With only six simple ingredients, it’s easy to make and delivers authentic flavor and rich texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Rinse and soak rice: Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly and soak it in water for 10 minutes to soften the grains for better cooking.
- Heat milk: In a heavy-bottom pan over medium-high heat, pour 4 cups of whole milk. Using whole milk is ideal for creaminess, but you can substitute with 2% reduced-fat milk.
- Add rice to milk: Drain the soaked rice and add it to the simmering milk. Stir the mixture frequently to prevent the milk and rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Simmer and reduce heat: After about 10 minutes, as the milk starts to boil over, reduce the heat to low-medium. Continue stirring to avoid burning and stickiness.
- Add sugar and nuts: Stir in 4 tablespoons of sugar (or adjust to taste), then immediately add the chopped almonds and cashews.
- Flavor with cardamom: Sprinkle in 1/3 teaspoon of cardamom powder and mix well to evenly distribute the aromatic spice.
- Continue cooking: Keep stirring often to ensure the pudding thickens without sticking to the pan. The milk will reduce and the rice will soften, losing its long grain appearance.
- Achieve pudding consistency: When the mixture becomes slightly runny but thick, reduce heat to the lowest setting and cook a few more minutes if you prefer a thicker texture.
- Finish and serve: Turn off the stove when desired consistency is reached. The pudding will thicken further as it cools. For a thinner consistency, add a little more milk before serving.
Notes
- Soaking the rice helps achieve a creamier texture and reduces cooking time.
- Keep stirring regularly to prevent burning at the bottom of the pan.
- Sugar quantity can be adjusted according to your taste preference.
- Whole milk gives the richest flavor and creaminess; substituting with 2% milk makes it lighter but still delicious.
- You can garnish with extra nuts or saffron strands for enhanced flavor and presentation.
- Serve warm or chilled based on your preference.
Keywords: Rice Kheer, Indian Rice Pudding, Gluten Free Dessert, Basmati Rice Pudding, Cardamom Kheer, Traditional Indian Dessert
