Rinse the Rice:

Wash the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps the kheer become creamier.

Cook the Rice:

In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee (or butter) over medium heat.

Add the washed rice to the pan and sauté for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the rice. This step adds a slight nutty flavor to the kheer.

Add Milk:

Pour in the full-fat milk and bring it to a boil. Once the milk starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, ensuring it simmers gently. Stir the mixture occasionally to prevent the milk from sticking to the bottom.

Simmer the Rice in Milk:

Allow the rice to cook in the milk for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The rice should soften and the milk should thicken to a creamy consistency. If needed, add a little more milk to maintain the desired consistency. Keep the flame low to avoid burning the milk.

Flavor the Kheer:

While the rice is cooking, soak the saffron strands in a small amount of warm milk for 5-10 minutes, then add it to the kheer. This will infuse the milk with a beautiful golden color and fragrance.

Once the rice is soft and the milk has thickened, add the sugar and cardamom. Stir well to dissolve the sugar completely. Let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes.

Prepare the Nuts:

In a separate small pan, heat a teaspoon of ghee or butter. Add the cashews, almonds, pistachios (if using), and raisins (optional). Fry them until they are golden brown and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

Finish the Kheer:

Add the toasted nuts and raisins to the kheer, saving some for garnish. Stir everything together. If you want an added floral fragrance, you can also add a few drops of rose water or kewra water at this stage.

Serve:

Let the kheer cool down to your desired temperature. It can be served hot, warm, or chilled, depending on your preference.

Garnish with additional chopped nuts and serve.

Tips:

Rice Texture: For a smoother kheer, you can mash the rice slightly with the back of a spoon or use a hand blender for a creamier texture.

Milk Consistency: If you prefer a thinner kheer, add more milk. If you like it thicker, cook it longer, stirring occasionally, to allow the milk to reduce.

Sweeteners: You can replace sugar with jaggery or honey, but be sure to adjust quantities based on sweetness preferences.

Vegan Option: Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of regular milk for a vegan version. You can also use coconut sugar or maple syrup as a sweetener.

Enjoy your delicious, creamy kheer!

Kheer is a timeless, comforting dessert perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a family gathering, festive celebration, or just a sweet treat after dinner. Enjoy the rich flavors and the warmth it brings!