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Kheer (Indian Rice Pudding)

Featured in Irresistible Desserts.

This upgraded kheer uses basmati and arborio rice for perfect texture, plus a rice flour trick for extra creaminess. The aromatic blend of cardamom, saffron and rose water makes this Indian dessert truly special.
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Ranah
Updated on Tue, 15 Apr 2025 15:07:20 GMT
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A bowl of soup with nuts and flowers in it. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

Silky, aromatic rice kheer transforms humble ingredients into a luxurious dessert that captivates with every spoonful. This elevated version of traditional Indian rice pudding combines slow-simmered rice and milk with exotic spices, creating a dessert that's both comforting and sophisticated.

I first made this recipe when hosting friends for dinner, and one guest who claimed to dislike rice pudding ended up requesting seconds and then asking for the recipe before leaving.

Essential Kheer Ingredients

  • Basmati + arborio rice: Floral notes + creaminess (¼ cup each)
  • Whole milk: Base for richness (4 cups)
  • Heavy cream: Luxurious mouthfeel (2 tbsp)
  • Rice flour: Secret thickener (1 tbsp)
  • Cardamom: Signature spice (¼ tsp freshly ground)
  • Saffron: Golden hue + subtle flavor (8-10 threads)
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A bowl of soup with nuts and flowers. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare rice
Rinse and soak basmati+arborio rice 30 mins
Step 2: Reduce milk
Simmer 4 cups milk in heavy pot
Step 3: Cook rice
Add rice, simmer 25-30 mins until soft
Step 4: Add sugar
Stir in ⅓ cup sugar, cook 10-15 mins
Step 5: Thicken
Mix rice flour with milk, stir into kheer
Step 6: Finish
Add cream, spices, rose water (½ tsp), nuts

Cultural Significance

Kheer holds sacred status in Indian culture, appearing at weddings and religious ceremonies for thousands of years. Its creamy richness symbolizes prosperity and abundance in Hindu tradition.

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A bowl of soup with a spoon in it. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

Serving & Storage

  • Serve warm or chilled in decorative bowls
  • Garnish with pistachios, saffron threads
  • Keeps 3 days refrigerated (thins with milk)
  • Flavors intensify after 24 hours

I discovered the rice combination accidentally when short on basmati. The arborio's starch created such superior texture it's now my standard method.

Patience in milk reduction creates unmatched depth. This slow process concentrates natural sweetness for a dessert of extraordinary complexity.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why use two different types of rice?
The combination of basmati and arborio rice creates the perfect texture - basmati provides the traditional aroma while arborio adds creaminess due to its high starch content.
→ Can I make kheer with just one type of rice?
Yes, you can make it with just basmati rice for a traditional version, or just arborio rice for a creamier pudding. The combination gives the best of both worlds.
→ What's the purpose of adding rice flour?
The rice flour helps thicken the pudding without having to reduce the milk as much, creating a creamier consistency while shortening the cooking time.
→ Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the milk with coconut milk or almond milk, though it will change the flavor profile. Skip the cream or use coconut cream instead.
→ Is rose water necessary?
While it adds an authentic touch, you can omit rose water if you don't have it. You can substitute with a touch of vanilla extract for a different but still delicious flavor.

Creamy cardamom rice pudding

A luxurious Indian rice pudding made with two types of rice, flavored with cardamom, rose water and saffron, then topped with nuts and rose petals.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
85 Minutes
Total Time
90 Minutes
By: Ranah


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Indian

Yield: 10 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Rice and Dairy

01 ¼ cup basmati rice, organic
02 ¼ cup arborio rice (risotto rice), organic
03 2 quarts whole milk
04 ½ cup sugar
05 2 tablespoons rice flour
06 2 tablespoons heavy cream or 1 tablespoon ghee (optional)

→ Flavorings and Mix-ins

07 2 tablespoons golden raisins
08 1 teaspoon ground cardamom, adjust per taste
09 2 teaspoons rose water
10 2 tablespoons almond slices
11 1 tablespoon pistachios, unsalted, slivered
12 ¼ teaspoon saffron (optional)

→ For Garnish

13 Additional nuts for topping
14 Dried rose petals

Instructions

Step 01

Place the basmati rice and arborio rice in separate bowls and cover with water. Let them soak for one hour. After soaking, drain well. Gently crush some of the basmati rice grains, but don't overdo it.

Step 02

In a wide, heavy-bottomed pot, bring the milk to a boil over medium-high heat. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn't boil over.

Step 03

Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the drained rice. Cook for 30 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent the milk from boiling over or sticking to the bottom of the pot. Lower the heat if needed.

Step 04

Stir in the sugar and continue cooking for another 30 minutes until the rice grains are well-cooked and starting to meld into the milk, which should be noticeably thicker by now.

Step 05

Take about ¼ cup of the cooked mixture and mix it with the rice flour to create a smooth paste. Stir this back into the pudding and cook, which will help create a creamier texture.

Step 06

Mix in the raisins and let the pudding simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then add the cream or ghee, cardamom, rose water, almond slices, and pistachio slivers. Simmer for 10 more minutes. Crush the saffron threads between your fingers and sprinkle them on top. Remember to stop cooking when the pudding has reached about 75% of your desired thickness, as it will continue to thicken as it cools.

Step 07

Garnish with additional nuts and rose petals. Serve warm or chilled, according to your preference.

Notes

  1. Using two types of rice gives this kheer the perfect texture - basmati for its aroma and arborio for creaminess.
  2. The rice flour trick creates an extra creamy consistency without having to reduce the milk as much.
  3. This dessert can be stored in the refrigerator for 4-5 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
  4. For a quicker version, you can use evaporated milk or a combination of regular and condensed milk.

Tools You'll Need

  • Heavy-bottomed cooking pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (milk, cream/ghee)
  • Contains tree nuts (almonds, pistachios)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 220
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 31 g
  • Protein: 7 g