The Charm of Simple Rice Kheer as an After-Meal Pudding on Winter Evenings

The Allure of Rice Kheer

Rice kheer, a traditional Indian dessert, is a creamy and aromatic pudding made with rice, milk, and sugar. It is often flavored with cardamom and garnished with nuts and saffron. This dessert is a staple in many Indian households, especially during festivals and special occasions.

Quick and Easy Recipe

Contrary to popular belief, making rice kheer is not a tedious task. With this instant recipe, you can whip up a delicious bowl of kheer in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked rice
• 2 cups milk
• 1/3 cup condensed milk
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom (elaichi) powder
• 1 teaspoon ghee
• 4 to 6 cashew nuts (for garnish)
• Almond and pistachio flakes (for garnish)
• A pinch of saffron (optional)

Preparation Time

• Preparation Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Serves: 4

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Heat the Milk: Pour the milk into a hot pan and bring it to a boil.
2. Add Cooked Rice: Add the cooked rice to the boiling milk. Ensure the rice is fragrant; Basmati or Nagmohar rice works best.
3. Sweeten the Mixture: Add sugar to taste, keeping in mind that condensed milk also contains sugar.
4. Thicken the Kheer: Once the mixture thickens, add the condensed milk. This will further thicken the kheer.
5. Flavor with Saffron: If using saffron, add saffron water to the mixture. Saffron enhances the flavor and aroma of the kheer.
6. Garnish: Sprinkle cardamom powder, almond, and pistachio flakes on top.
7. Serve: Your rice kheer is ready to be served!

Nutritional Information

Rice kheer is not just a treat for your taste buds but also offers some nutritional benefits. Here’s a quick look at its nutritional profile per serving:

Interesting Facts About Rice Kheer

• Historical Significance: Rice kheer has been a part of Indian cuisine for centuries. It is mentioned in ancient Indian texts and has been a favorite dessert in royal kitchens.
• Versatility: Kheer can be made with various grains like vermicelli, broken wheat, and even tapioca pearls.
• Global Variations: Similar rice puddings are found in various cultures, such as the Spanish "Arroz con Leche" and the Middle Eastern "Roz Bel Laban."

Conclusion

Rice kheer is a timeless dessert that brings warmth and comfort, especially on cold winter evenings. Its simplicity, combined with its rich flavor, makes it a favorite among many. Whether you are entertaining guests or treating your family, this quick and easy recipe is sure to impress.

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Additionally, you can explore a treasure trove of recipes in the Tarla Dalal Kitchen Library, which includes DVDs and books covering a wide range of delicious dishes.

Sources:

• National Center for Biotechnology Information
• USDA FoodData Central