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Forkin
Dessert

Pakistani Rice Kheer

This creamy and fragrant rice pudding is a classic Pakistani dessert, perfect for any celebration. Slow-cooked with milk, rice, and sugar, it's infused with cardamom and garnished with nuts.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time
3 hr 45 min
Serves
6
Difficulty
Medium
Per serving
375 kcal
VegetarianGluten-free

Allergen information: may contain milk, nuts, and tree nuts. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Pakistani Rice Kheer

Mise en place

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • 0.5 cupbasmati rice, soaked for 30 minutes and drained
  • 2 lwhole milk
  • 0.5 cupgranulated sugar
  • 6 pcsgreen cardamom pod, crushed
  • 1 tsprose water(optional)

garnish

  • 2 tbspalmond, sliced
  • 2 tbsppistachio, chopped

Equipment

large pot · serving bowls

The method

Step by step

  1. 1

    Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly and soak it in water for 30 minutes, then drain.

    About 30 min

    Cook’s note: Soaking helps the rice cook faster and become creamier.

  2. 2

    In a large heavy-bottomed pot, combine the whole milk and crushed green cardamom pods.

    Cook’s note: A heavy-bottomed pot prevents scorching.

  3. 3

    Bring the milk to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.

    About 10 min

  4. 4

    Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and add the soaked and drained basmati rice.

  5. 5

    Simmer the kheer for 60-75 minutes, stirring frequently, especially towards the end, until the rice is very soft and the milk has thickened to a creamy consistency.

    About 1 hr 15 min

    Cook’s note: The key to good kheer is slow cooking and constant stirring to achieve a rich texture.

  6. 6

    Add the granulated sugar and continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved.

    About 10 min

    Cook’s note: Add sugar after the rice is cooked, as it can sometimes prevent the rice from softening.

  7. 7

    Remove from heat and stir in the rose water, if using.

  8. 8

    Pour the kheer into serving bowls and let it cool to room temperature.

    About 1 hr

  9. 9

    Garnish with sliced almonds and chopped pistachios before serving.

  10. 10

    Chill the kheer in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving for best results.

    About 1 hr

    Cook’s note: Kheer is traditionally served chilled.

Per serving

Nutrition

68%Score
Calories
375.2kcal
Protein
13.3g
Carbs
49.7g
Fat
14g
Fibre
0.9g
Sugar
32.7g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover kheer in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Kheer is typically eaten cold, but can be gently warmed on the stovetop with a splash of milk if desired.