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    Home » Recipes » Desserts

    Indian Rice Pudding

    Published: Jun 21, 2019 · Updated: Apr 7, 2020 by Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC · 8 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Pin for Indian rice pudding.

    Make your own Indian dessert at home. Indian rice pudding, also known as Kheer, is a traditional Indian dessert that's creamy, delicious and easy to make!

    A bowl of Indian rice pudding.

    I learned this recipe from my mother. She makes it whenever there's a special occasion - Diwali, Holi, or someone's birthday! While I've never had much of a sweet tooth, her Indian rice pudding is one I happily enjoy. It's easy to make, creamy, comforting, and so delicious!

    What is Indian rice pudding?

    Indian rice pudding, also known as Kheer originated in the Indian subcontinent. It's traditionally made with milk, sugar, and Basmati rice (or rice, tapioca, vermicelli, or sweet corn), and flavored with Indian spices such as cardamom and saffron.

    Kheer takes about 30 minutes to make and is served at the end of a meal as a dessert.

    Ingredients you'll need

    • Milk - Kheer is traditionally made with whole milk. However, I use plant-based milk. Note that the flavor of the milk you use will affect the overall taste and consistency.
    • Basmati Rice - Basmati rice is perfect for this recipe. But you can also use Jasmine rice if you don't have Basmati rice on hand
    • Cardamom Powder - Add aromatic flavor with cardamom powder or a few cardamom pods (be sure to remove the pods before serving).
    • Saffron - this adds a delicious flavor and adds a little color. If you don't have this ingredient, feel free to skip it. It will still taste great!
    • Sweetener - Use a sweetener of choice. Cane sugar is traditionally used but you can use maple syrup or coconut sugar instead.
    • Optional Ingredients - Add more flavor, including raisins, slivered almonds, pistachios, and seeds.
    A bowl of Kheer, garnished with dried rose petals.

    How to make Indian rice pudding – step-by-step

    1. Soak the Basmati rice in water. Ideally, you want to soak the rice for at least 30 minutes or overnight. Thoroughly rinse the rice in water until it runs clear.

    2. Add ingredients. In a medium saucepan, add milk, cardamom powder, saffron, and sweetener.

    3. Turn the heat to medium-high. Bring the milk mixture to a gentle boil. Immediately reduce the heat to medium-low.

    4. Add Basmati rice to the milk. Mix gently.

    5. Simmer until cooked. The milk will start to thicken and the rice will become tender. It will take about 20-30 minutes for the rice to milk to reduce to about half its original amount. Stir every 5 minutes.

    6. Turn off the heat and let the Indian rice pudding cool down for a few minutes. Add additional toppings, if desired, and serve or store for later.

    Step by step instructions on how to make kheer.

    Storing and reheating

    Fridge: Kheer will last for 3-4 days in the fridge. Be sure to cool it down completely before storing it in an airtight container.

    Reheat: When you're ready to enjoy it again, either serve it cold or warm it up in a small saucepan.

    Is kheer eating hot or cold?

    You can either enjoy it warm or cold! During the summer, it's best to serve it cold. Alternatively, during the cooler months, it's usually served warm.

    How do you thicken kheer?

    If the kheer is too thin for your liking, simply simmer the mixture for an additional 5-10 minutes until you reach the desired consistency.

    A bowl of Indian rice pudding, garnished with dried rose petals and nuts.

    More easy Indian recipes

    • Kitchari Recipe
    • Cauliflower Tikka Masala
    • Easy Chana Masala (Chickpea Curry)
    • Aloo Tikki (Indian Potato Patties)
    • Indian Rice Pudding (Kheer)

    Did you make this Indian rice pudding recipe? Leave a comment below and rate the recipe to let us know how it turned out! Save this recipe for later by pinning and be sure to tag me on Real + Vibrant’s Instagram to show me your creation!

    This post was originally published in October 2016, updated June 2019 with new photos and a rewritten post. No changes were made to the recipe – it’s just as tasty as it's always been!

    A bowl of Indian kheer sprinkled with rose petals

    Indian Rice Pudding (Kheer)

    5 from 5 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep time: 5 minutes
    Cook time: 30 minutes
    Total time: 35 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 302kcal
    Author: Sapana Chandra
    Make your own Indian dessert at home. Indian rice pudding, also known as Kheer, is a traditional Indian dessert that's creamy, delicious and easy to make!

    Ingredients

    • 4 cups milk, almond milk for dairy-free
    • ¼ cup Basmati rice, I use this brand
    • 3 tablespoons organic cane sugar or coconut sugar
    • pinch of cardamom powder
    • 5 strands of saffron, optional

    Optional Toppings

    • 2 tablespoons slivered almonds
    • 2 tablespoons pistachios
    • 2 tablespoons raisins

    Instructions

    • Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes or overnight. Rinse well in water until it runs clear.
    • In a medium saucepan, add milk, cardamom powder, and sweetener. Turn the heat to medium-high and bring the milk mixture to a gentle boil. 
    • Immediately reduce the heat to medium-low and add Basmati rice. Stir gently.
    • Simmer until the milk starts to thicken and the rice is tender. It will take about 20-30 minutes for the rice to milk to reduce to about half its original amount. Stir frequently.
    • Turn off the heat and let the Indian rice pudding cool down for a few minutes. Add additional toppings, if desired, and serve or store for later.

    Notes

    To save the rice pudding for later, cool it down completely before storing it in an air-tight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
    Serve either warm or cold. To reheat the rice pudding, warm it in a small saucepan on medium-low heat, stirring frequently.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 302kcal, Carbohydrates: 39g, Protein: 11g, Fat: 12g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Cholesterol: 24mg, Sodium: 110mg, Potassium: 492mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 22g, Vitamin A: 411IU, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 296mg, Iron: 1mg
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: Indian
    Tried this recipe?Mention @realandvibrant and hashtag #realandvibrant!

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    About Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC

    Sapana Chandra is a certified health coach, author of Plant Power Bowls, and founder of Real +Vibrant. Here you’ll find simply delicious vegetarian recipes with step-by-step photo instructions – recipes you’ll be excited to enjoy and share with your loved ones.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Martha says

      May 12, 2021 at 8:24 pm

      I followed the recipe precisely. It was the most delicious rice pudding (kheer) I've ever had. I didn't have nuts so I added chopped dried apricots at end of the last 5 mins of cooking. It was a hit! This is going to be my specialty holiday dessert for friends and family gatherings. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        June 14, 2021 at 6:53 pm

        I'm so happy to hear that, Martha!

        Reply
    2. Chuck says

      July 24, 2019 at 4:58 pm

      I made this tonight as written with a 1/2 tsp of ground cardamom, a little shake of allspice, and no saffron. It was absolutely delicious! I'll definitely be making it again. Thanks for the recipe! I didn't think I'd be able to have rice pudding again as a vegan.5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra says

        July 24, 2019 at 7:39 pm

        I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed it, Chuck!

        Reply
    3. Sammy says

      June 07, 2019 at 11:55 am

      I love kheer and I'm excited that this is vegan!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra says

        July 24, 2019 at 7:40 pm

        I hope you enjoyed it, Sammy!

        Reply
    4. Arthur in the Garden! says

      December 20, 2016 at 2:12 pm

      Yummy!

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra says

        July 24, 2019 at 7:40 pm

        Thank you!

        Reply

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    Sapana Chandra

    Hi, I'm Sapana! I’m a recipe developer and author of the cookbook Plant Power Bowls. Here you'll find simple, delicious, vegetarian recipes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Learn more about me

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