Kheer is prepared in festivals, temples, and all special occasions. The term
Kheer (used in North India) is derived from Sanskrit words
Ksheeram (which means milk). Other terms like
Payasa or
Payasam (used in South India) or
payesh (used in Bengal region) are derived from the Sanskrit word
Payas which also means "milk".
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup short/medium grained rice
- 4 cups whole milk (go for low fat only if absolutely necessary)
- sugar to taste - I used 3 tbsp ( 1/4- 1/2 cup should be enough )
- pinch of saffron
- 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
- 1-2 tbsp nuts ( I used almonds, pistachios and cashews)
- 4-5 raisins (or more if you like it)
- 1 tsp Ghee (preferred more than butter)
Method:
- In a saucepan, heat the ghee. Add the chopped nuts along with raisins.
Set aside when raisins get plump and nuts turn reddish brown.
-
In the same pan, roast the rice for 2-3 minutes in low heat.
- Now add the milk. Increase the heat to med-high and let it come to a boil
-
Give it an occasional
stir so that the milk does not stick to the bottom. Non stick pan works
great for this. Also take care not to let the milk burn. Even a little
burn spoils the milk. Add sugar and give it a stir.
- Reduce the heat to medium and cook until the milk has reduced in half.
Keep stirring often. You know its done when the milk has reduced and
also the rice has cooked and is soft (not mushy). This process takes
approximately 20-30minutes.
- Add rest of the ingredients - saffron, cardamom and half of the roasted nuts.
- Give it a stir until combined and serve garnished with the remaining nuts.