Indian saffron rice kheer: A vegetarian delight
Kheer, a traditional Indian dessert, enjoys widespread popularity for its creamy texture and subtle flavors. Stemming from ancient culinary traditions, this rice pudding is a staple in celebrations and daily meals. It's made with simple, vegetarian ingredients. Saffron adds an exquisite aroma and color to this eggless dish, making it both comforting and luxurious. Let's start cooking.
Gather the following ingredients
To prepare this delightful kheer, you will need one cup of basmati rice, washed and soaked for 30 minutes, five cups of full-fat milk, a pinch of saffron strands soaked in two tablespoons of warm milk, three-fourths cup of sugar, half a teaspoon of cardamom powder, a quarter cup of mixed nuts (almonds and pistachios), chopped, and two tablespoons of golden raisins.
Begin with preparing rice
First, drain the soaked basmati rice thoroughly. Next, in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat, combine the rice with five cups of full-fat milk. Stir the mixture occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Continue cooking until the rice becomes soft and the milk has reduced to roughly half its initial volume, which should take about 20-25 minutes.
Add flavorings
Once the rice is fully cooked and the milk mixture has thickened considerably, it's time to add the sugar and cardamom powder. Stir the mixture diligently until the sugar is completely dissolved. Next, carefully blend in the saffron-infused milk, introducing a vibrant golden hue and an aromatic essence that is characteristic of saffron rice kheer, enriching its flavor profile and visual appeal.
Mix in nuts and serve
Finally, add the chopped almonds and pistachios, along with golden raisins, to your kheer. These ingredients introduce texture and a subtle sweetness. Let the mixture simmer for another five minutes before removing it from heat. This step ensures the nuts and raisins blend well into the kheer, enriching its flavor and visual appeal without overwhelming it.
Cooling and serving suggestions
Kheer can be served warm or chilled, as per your preference. For a cold serving, let it cool at room temperature before refrigerating. Garnish with additional chopped nuts or saffron strands for an elegant touch. This vegetarian and eggless Indian saffron rice kheer offers a taste of India's rich culinary heritage, making it perfect for any occasion or when craving something sweet and wholesome.
