Certainly! Here's a recipe for making rice kheer, a delicious Indian rice pudding:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup Basmati rice
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios)
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- Saffron strands soaked in 1 tablespoon warm milk (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ghee (clarified butter)
- Raisins (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Rinse and Soak Rice:
- Wash the Basmati rice thoroughly and soak it in water for about 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare Nuts and Saffron (if using):
- Chop the nuts finely and set them aside.
- If using saffron, soak a few strands in warm milk and set aside. This will add a lovely color and flavor to the kheer.
3. Cook the Rice:
- In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat the ghee over medium-low heat.
- Add the drained rice and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it turns slightly translucent.
4. Add Milk and Simmer:
- Pour in the whole milk and bring it to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the rice simmer in the milk. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Cook Until Rice is Soft:
- Continue to cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the rice is soft and the milk has thickened. This can take about 30-40 minutes. Be patient; the slow cooking process is what gives kheer its rich and creamy texture.
6. Add Sugar:
- Once the rice is soft and the kheer has thickened, add sugar to the pot. Stir well to combine.
7. Add Cardamom and Nuts:
- Add cardamom powder and the chopped nuts to the kheer. Stir to distribute evenly.
8. Simmer and Finish:
- Let the kheer simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the sugar to dissolve completely and for the flavors to meld.
- If using saffron, add the saffron-infused milk at this stage for extra flavor and color.
9. Cool and Serve:
- Remove the rice kheer from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
- It will thicken further as it cools. If it becomes too thick, you can add a little milk to reach your desired consistency.
10. Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with more chopped nuts and optional raisins.
- Serve the rice kheer warm or chilled, according to your preference.
Enjoy your creamy and sweet rice kheer! It's a delightful dessert often enjoyed on special occasions in India.