Kheer - A quintessential Indian dessert

Kheer (rice pudding) is one of the rich, creamy and delightful Indian delicacies. Being an Indian, you must have savored this dessert in your household on celebrations and extraordinary occasions. But we think you don’t need a reason to eat kheer as it is easily made with the staples available in your kitchen. You only need rice, milk, and sugar to make this delectable sweet that you’ll cook again and again once you do. So, let’s know more about this sweet affair.

The history 

Kheer has several versions in different regions of the country with a slight change in ingredients. It is considered to have been found in the Ayurvedic manuscript. Kheer is an Indian dessert that people used to have in their diet in early India. You’ll find this dessert being enjoyed in different parts of India for a thousand years.

The ingredients you need 

Though, kheer is made with plain staples including rice, milk, and sugar. But there are a few things that can be added to enhance the richness and flavor of the dessert. For example - cardamom powder is used to bring the aroma and pleasant taste (and sometimes cinnamon powder). The dried fruits & nuts like pistachios, cashews, and raisins, and saffron are also added to the dessert for crunchiness and richness that you’ll find in Indian food.

The cooking Process 

Cooking kheer is no art. Anyone can make it with a little guidance. You just have to boil milk with soaked rice and add sugar (or jaggery) as a sweetener. Cook the rice with milk on a slow flame and keep the consistency a little thick. When done, you can add the chopped nuts and enjoy as you like, whether hot or cold. One tip - use full-fat milk for a creamy texture.

What does it taste like?

Kheer is a quintessential dessert that tastes like heaven in your mouth. The creamy texture and mushy rice will dissolve in your mouth. The desire for having more won’t end no matter how many times you eat it in a day. It takes you to a whole new world when you taste the crunch of nuts and have an indescribable taste. 

Now, we won’t be surprised if you say that you’re craving this exciting dessert. Just visit India Garden, an Indian restaurant in Pleasanton, or order takeout to enjoy this ambrosial dessert and much more.