Name: Rice Kheer (Chaler Payesh)
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 150 grams Gobindobhog rice ((soaked in water for 30 mins & strained)); 2 liters Cow milk ((pre-boiled)); 150 grams Sugar; 2 tablespoons Ghee; ½ tablespoons Cardamom powder; 4 tablespoons Cashew nut ((semi crushed)); 2 tablespoons Almond nut ((chopped)); 2 tablespoons Pistachio ((chopped)); 2 tablespoons Raisin ((pre-soaked in water)); 5 tablespoons Amul powder milk; Salt to taste

5 from 2 votes

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Rice Kheer, also known as Rice Pudding and Chaler Payesh, is a delicious and traditional Indian dessert that is loved by people of all ages.

It is a creamy and aromatic sweet dish made with rice, milk, sugar, and a variety of flavorful ingredients such as cardamom, saffron, and nuts.

Rice Kheer is often prepared during festivals, special occasions, and religious ceremonies in India.

The process of making Rice Kheer involves slow-cooking rice in milk until it reaches a thick and creamy consistency.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways:

Rice Kheer, also known as Rice Pudding or Chaler Payesh, is a popular Indian dessert loved by people of all ages.

It is a creamy and aromatic sweet dish made with rice, milk, sugar, and flavorful ingredients like cardamom, saffron, and nuts.
Rice Kheer is often prepared during festivals, special occasions, and religious ceremonies in India and is enjoyed as a comforting dessert or a sweet ending to a meal.
The process involves slow-cooking rice in milk until it reaches a thick and creamy consistency, with the rice absorbing the milk for a rich and velvety texture.

Rice Kheer can be served warm or chilled, garnished with roasted nuts, and enjoyed with accompaniments like Poori, Gulab Jamun, or fresh fruits.

The Ingredients:

Gobindobhog rice: 150 gms (soaked in water for 30 mins & strained)

Cow milk: 2 liters (boiled)
Sugar: 150 gms
Ghee: 2 Tbsp

Cardamom powder: ½ tbsp
Salt: less than ½ tbsp
Cashew nut: 4 tbsp (semi crushed)

Almond nut: 2 tbsp (chopped)
Pistachios: 2 tbsp (chopped)
Raisins: 2 tbsp (pre-soaked in water)

Amul powder milk: 5 tbsp

How to Cook Rice Kheer (Step by Step Images)?

1. Heat the wok and grease it with ghee using a brush. Add the milk and raise the flame to bring it to a boil.

(Expert tip: Greasing the bottom of the wok or pan with ghee or fortified butter prevents the milk from sticking while cooking.)

2. Add 1 tbsp of ghee to the rice and mix it well. Let it sit for 5 minutes.

3. The milk should be simmering now. Take out a small amount of milk and keep it for mixing the powdered milk.

4. Next, add the rice to the simmering milk using a spatula and stir it thoroughly. Keep the gas flame on medium heat.

5. Remember to stir it frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the wok.

6. Once the rice is 70% boiled, add the nuts such as cashews, almonds, pistachios, and raisins. Stir everything together. After 2 minutes, add the sugar.

7. Optionally, you can add less than ½ tbsp of salt to enhance the taste.

8. Now add 150 gms of sugar to the rice. The rice should be perfectly boiled. Mix the sugar nicely.

(Expert tip: You can adjust the amount of sugar according to your preference. Do not add sugar until the rice is fully boiled, as it will make it hard and prevent further boiling.)

9. Add the cardamom powder.

(Expert tip: You can also add whole cardamom by crushing it.)

10. Finally, add the solution of pre-mixed Amul powder with cow milk just 1 or 2 mins before turning off the gas. This will enhance the smell and taste.

11. The rice kheer is now ready and it did not stick to the bottom.

12. Transfer it in bowls, garnished with nuts and raisins.

(Expert tip: You can also add saffron strands for additional garnishing.)

Pro Tip for Making Best Rice Kheer

Here’s a pro tip to help you make the best Rice Kheer:

Rice Selection: Choose the right type of rice for your kheer. Basmati rice or Gobindobhog rice works well as they tend to absorb more milk and create a creamy texture. Avoid using long-grain rice, as it may not yield the desired consistency.

Pre-Soaking Rice: Soak the rice in water for about 30 minutes before cooking. This step helps to soften the rice and reduces the cooking time, ensuring that the rice cooks evenly and becomes tender.

Slow Cooking: The key to achieving a rich and creamy texture is slow cooking. Cook the rice in milk over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan. This gradual cooking process allows the rice to absorb the milk and develop a luscious consistency.

Sweetness Balance: Start with a moderate amount of sugar and adjust it according to your taste preferences. Keep in mind that the kheer will become slightly sweeter as it cools down. If you prefer a healthier alternative, you can use jaggery (unrefined cane sugar) or sweeteners like condensed milk or evaporated milk.

Flavorful Additions: Enhance the aroma and taste of your kheer by adding aromatic spices such as cardamom powder, saffron strands, or rose water. These ingredients infuse the kheer with a delightful fragrance and elevate its overall flavor.

Nuts and Dry Fruits: Toast some nuts, such as almonds, cashews, or pistachios, in a separate pan until lightly golden. Adding these roasted nuts to the kheer not only adds a satisfying crunch but also enhances its visual appeal. You can also add a handful of raisins or chopped dates for an extra burst of sweetness.

Cooling and Chilling: Once the kheer reaches the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a while. If you prefer to serve it chilled, refrigerate the kheer for a few hours before serving. The flavors meld together and the kheer thickens further as it cools.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to create a delicious and creamy Rice Kheer that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy this delightful dessert as a treat or as a perfect ending to your meals!

What to Serve with Rice Kheer?

Rice Kheer is a delightful dessert on its own, but if you’d like to enhance the overall experience, here are some suggestions for what you can serve with Rice Kheer:

Poori: Rice Kheer pairs wonderfully with warm, crispy Pooris. The contrast between the creamy kheer and the flaky texture of Pooris creates a delightful combination.

Gulab Jamun: Another classic Indian dessert, Gulab Jamun, goes exceptionally well with Rice Kheer. The soft, syrup-soaked dough balls of Gulab Jamun complement the creamy kheer and add a burst of sweetness.

Jalebi: Jalebi is a popular Indian sweet made by deep-frying batter in a spiral shape and then soaking it in sugar syrup. The crispy, syrupy Jalebis provide a delightful contrast to the creamy kheer.

Fresh Fruits: Serve a platter of fresh fruits alongside Rice Kheer for a refreshing and healthy twist. Fruits like sliced mangoes, bananas, or strawberries can complement the sweetness of the kheer and add a burst of natural flavors.

Coconut Barfi: Coconut barfi is a sweet confection made with grated coconut, sugar, and condensed milk. Its rich, coconutty flavor pairs well with the creamy kheer, creating a delicious combination of textures and tastes.

Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some finely chopped roasted nuts like almonds, cashews, or pistachios on top of the Rice Kheer. It adds a delightful crunch and enhances the visual appeal of the dish.

Saffron-Flavored Cookies: Serve saffron-flavored cookies, such as Nankhatai or shortbread biscuits, alongside Rice Kheer. The subtle saffron flavor complements the kheer’s aromatic notes and adds a delightful crunch.

Remember, the choice of accompaniment depends on personal preference, and you can mix and match based on what you enjoy.

Whether you prefer something crispy, fruity, or nutty, these suggestions will help you create a balanced and satisfying dessert experience with Rice Kheer.

How Does Rice Kheer Taste?

Rice Kheer has a rich, creamy, and comforting taste that is both sweet and aromatic. The combination of rice, milk, sugar, and spices creates a delightful balance of flavors.

The rice in the kheer becomes soft and tender as it cooks in the milk, imparting a pleasant texture to the dessert.

The milk is reduced and thickened during the cooking process, resulting in a creamy and velvety consistency that coats the rice grains.

The sweetness of the kheer comes from the sugar or other sweeteners added to the dish. It is usually moderately sweet, but you can adjust the sweetness level according to your taste preferences.

The sweetness is nicely balanced with the other flavors and ingredients, creating a harmonious taste profile.

Aromatic spices such as cardamom, saffron, or rose water are often added to Rice Kheer, enhancing its taste and adding a pleasant fragrance.

Cardamom lends a warm and slightly citrusy note, saffron imparts a delicate floral aroma, and rose water adds a hint of floral sweetness.

These spices elevate the overall taste experience and make the kheer more fragrant and appealing.

Additionally, the addition of roasted nuts like almonds, cashews, or pistachios provides a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, adding another layer of taste and texture to the kheer.

Overall, Rice Kheer is a delicious and comforting dessert with a creamy texture, a balanced sweetness, and aromatic flavors. It’s a beloved treat that brings a sense of indulgence and satisfaction to those who enjoy it.

Rice Kheer Alternatives

While Rice Kheer is a popular and delicious dessert, there are several alternatives you can try if you’re looking for something different or have dietary restrictions. Here are a few alternatives to traditional Rice Kheer:

Sabudana Kheer: Sabudana (tapioca pearls) can be used as a substitute for rice in kheer. This variant has a similar creamy texture and is often flavored with cardamom and saffron. It’s a popular choice during fasting periods in India.

Vermicelli Kheer: Instead of rice, vermicelli (thin noodles) can be used to make kheer. It’s cooked in milk and sweetened with sugar or condensed milk. Vermicelli kheer has a unique texture and can be flavored with cardamom, rose water, or nuts.

Quinoa Kheer: For a healthier option, you can replace rice with quinoa. Quinoa kheer is prepared by cooking quinoa in milk and sweetening it with honey, maple syrup, or any preferred sweetener. It’s a nutritious alternative that still offers a creamy and satisfying dessert experience.

Oats Kheer: If you’re looking for a lighter and gluten-free option, oats can be used to make kheer. Oats are cooked in milk and sweetened with sugar or honey. You can add flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, or dried fruits to enhance the taste.

Paneer Kheer: Paneer (Indian cottage cheese) can be grated or crumbled and used as the main ingredient in kheer. It’s cooked in milk and sweetened with sugar. Paneer kheer has a unique texture and a rich, creamy taste.

Coconut Milk Kheer: Instead of using dairy milk, you can make kheer with coconut milk. Coconut milk kheer has a distinct tropical flavor and is often paired with cardamom, nuts, and raisins. It’s a great option for those who are lactose intolerant or prefer a dairy-free dessert.

These alternatives offer a variety of flavors and textures, allowing you to explore different variations of kheer while still enjoying a delightful dessert. Feel free to experiment and customize the recipes to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

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Conclusion

Rice Kheer is a creamy and delicious dessert option that is popular all over India.

If you follow the above instructions along with the tips of greasing the wok, stirring frequently, and adding the Amul powder at the right moment, you can prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom and enhance the flavor of the kheer.

Once it is ready, serve the kheer in bowls, garnished with nuts and raisins, and optionally add saffron strands for an extra touch. Enjoy your homemade rice kheer as a delightful dessert.