How to make kherr

  Introduction

Kheer, a beloved Indian dessert, is enjoyed by many and made in various styles across households. Its creamy texture and rich flavor, enhanced with dry fruits, make it a perfect treat for any occasion. Here, I'll share my simple yet delicious method of preparing kheer. Follow along to create this delightful dish.

 Ingredients

To prepare this kheer, you will need the following ingredients:

- 4 tablespoons of soaked rice

- 1 liter of milk

- Sugar, according to your taste

- Half a glass of water

- Some dry fruits for garnishing

Method

Step 1: Preparing the Milk

First, take a large vessel and pour in the milk and half a glass of water. The addition of water helps in preventing the milk from sticking to the bottom of the vessel. Place the vessel on the stove and turn the flame to low. This slow heating process is crucial as it allows the milk to thicken gradually without burning.

Step 2: Soaking the Rice

While the milk is heating, soak the rice in water. This step should ideally be done at least 30 minutes before you start cooking. Soaking the rice helps it cook faster and blend better into the milk, giving the kheer a smoother texture.

Step 3: Adding Sugar and Rice

Once the milk reaches a gentle boil, it’s time to add the soaked rice. Carefully drain the water from the soaked rice and add it to the boiling milk. Stir the mixture gently to ensure that the rice is evenly distributed and not clumping together.

Next, add sugar according to your taste. The amount of sugar can vary depending on your preference, but a good starting point is around 5-6 tablespoons. Remember, you can always add more sugar later if needed. Stir well to dissolve the sugar completely.

Step 4: Cooking the Rice

Continue to cook the rice in the milk over a low flame. This step requires patience as it’s important to cook the rice thoroughly until it becomes soft and mushy. Stir the mixture occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the vessel and to ensure even cooking.

As the rice cooks, it will absorb the milk and expand, gradually thickening the mixture. This process can take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes. The key is to cook the rice until it breaks down and blends seamlessly with the milk.

 Step 5: Mashing the Rice

Once the rice is well-cooked and mushy, it’s time to whisk it. Using a whisk or a hand blender, gently mash the rice into the milk. This step is crucial for achieving the creamy consistency that kheer is known for. The more you whisk, the smoother your kheer will be.

 Step 6: Thickening the Kheer

After whisking, you will notice that the kheer has started to thicken. This is the result of the rice releasing its starch into the milk. Continue to cook the mixture on a low flame, stirring frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom. This step can take another 10-15 minutes.

Step 7: Adding Dry Fruits

While the kheer is thickening, chop your selected dry fruits for garnishing. Common choices include almonds, cashews, pistachios, and raisins. These add a delightful crunch and flavor to the creamy kheer. Add the chopped dry fruits to the kheer and stir well. Save a few for garnishing later.

 Step 8: Cooling the Kheer

Once the kheer has reached your desired consistency, turn off the flame. Let it cool down to room temperature. After it has cooled, transfer the kheer into a serving bowl. Garnish with the remaining chopped dry fruits.

Step 9: Refrigeration

For the best taste, refrigerate the kheer for at least a couple of hours before serving. Chilled kheer is incredibly refreshing and the flavors meld together beautifully as it sits. 

Step 10: Serving

Once the kheer is nicely chilled, it’s ready to be served. Serve it to your guests or enjoy it yourself as a sweet treat after a meal. The creamy texture, sweet flavor, and crunch of dry fruits make it an irresistible dessert.

Tips for Perfect Kheer

1. Use Full-Fat Milk: Full-fat milk adds richness to the kheer. If you use low-fat milk, the kheer might not be as creamy.

   

2. Consistent Stirring: Stirring frequently prevents the milk from sticking to the bottom and burning.

3. Adjusting Sugar: Taste the kheer as it cooks and adjust the sugar according to your preference.

4. Variety of Dry Fruits: Feel free to experiment with different dry fruits or even add a few strands of saffron for an exotic touch.

5. Patience is Key: Cooking kheer on low heat takes time but ensures a rich, creamy texture.

Conclusion

Kheer is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed warm or chilled, making it perfect for any season. With its simple ingredients and straightforward method, it’s a dish that anyone can make. By following this recipe, you’ll be able to create a delicious kheer that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy the process of making it and savor every spoonful of this delightful Indian dessert.