Imagine a dessert so divine, it whispers the ancient culinary secrets of India with every spoonful. Elaichi Kheer is not just a simple rice pudding – it's a magical symphony of creamy milk, fragrant cardamom, and perfectly cooked rice that promises to elevate your dessert experience from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or a curious home cook, this recipe will unlock a world of rich, aromatic flavors that have been cherished in Indian households for generations.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup Basmati rice
- 4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, cashews)
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1 tablespoon ghee
Instructions
- Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- In a heavy-bottomed wide pan, heat ghee over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and gently sauté for 2-3 minutes until the rice grains become slightly translucent.
- Pour in the milk and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring continuously to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer the rice in milk, stirring occasionally. Cook for approximately 25-30 minutes until the rice is completely soft and the milk has reduced and thickened.
- Add sugar and continue to stir, allowing the sugar to dissolve completely and the kheer to become creamy in consistency.
- Sprinkle cardamom powder and mix well, which will infuse a beautiful aromatic flavor into the kheer.
- In a separate small pan, lightly toast the chopped nuts until they turn golden and release their fragrant aroma.
- Add the toasted nuts and raisins to the kheer, stirring gently to distribute evenly.
- Remove from heat and let the kheer cool slightly. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Serve warm or chilled, garnished with additional chopped nuts if desired. The kheer can be refrigerated for up to 2-3 days.
Tips
- Choose the Right Rice: Always use Basmati rice for its delicate flavor and long, slender grains that create the perfect texture.
- Patience is Key: Slow cooking is crucial. Maintain a low heat and stir frequently to prevent the milk from burning and to achieve that luxurious, creamy consistency.
- Toasting Nuts Matters: Lightly toast your nuts before adding them to enhance their flavor and add a delightful crunch to your kheer.
- Cardamom Freshness: Use freshly ground cardamom for the most intense and authentic flavor. If possible, grind the pods just before adding to the dish.
- Consistency Control: If the kheer becomes too thick while cooling, simply add a little warm milk to achieve your desired consistency.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This dessert tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance for gatherings or special occasions.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
