Yummy Kesar Kheer Recipe

Kheer, also known as payasam, is a sweet dish and a type of wet pudding popular in the Indian subcontinent, usually made by boiling milk, sugar or jaggery and rice.

Here's a simple recipe for kheer, a popular Indian rice pudding dessert:

Ingredients:

- 1/2 cup basmati rice

- 4 cups milk

- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust according to your taste)

- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds, cashews, and pistachios)

- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder

- Saffron strands (optional)

- Raisins (optional)

Instructions:

1. Wash the basmati rice under running water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for about 30 minutes, then drain the water.

2. In a heavy-bottomed pan, add the drained rice and 2 cups of milk. Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the rice becomes soft and the milk starts to thicken. This may take around 20-25 minutes.

3. Add the remaining 2 cups of milk to the pan and stir well. Continue to cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the milk comes to a boil.

4. Reduce the heat to low and let the kheer simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

5. Add the sugar, chopped nuts, cardamom powder, saffron strands (if using), and raisins (if using) to the pan. Stir well and continue to simmer for another 5-10 minutes until the kheer thickens to your desired consistency. Keep in mind that the kheer will thicken further as it cools.

6. Remove the pan from the heat and let the kheer cool to room temperature. It will thicken further as it cools, so you can add more milk if needed to adjust the consistency.

7. Once cooled, you can refrigerate the kheer for a few hours before serving. It can be served chilled or at room temperature.

8. Garnish with some additional chopped nuts and saffron strands, if desired, before serving.

Enjoy your delicious homemade kheer!