Ingredients & Measurements
Carefully curated and proportioned for authentic flavor balance. Adjust chillies and salt to your personal taste.
Main Ingredients
- 1 ltr Full fat milk (दूध)
- 1 tbsp Ghee (घी) - optional
- ¼ cup or 40 gms Unsoaked rice (चावल)
- ⅓ cup or 70 gms Sugar (चीनी)
Garnish
- Handful Mixed nuts, chopped (ड्राई फ्रूट्स)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
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1
Wash the rice thoroughly and drain the water. If using ghee, lightly toast the rice in a heavy-bottomed pan for a minute to enhance the aroma.
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2
Add the milk to the rice and bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer, stirring occasionally to ensure the rice cooks evenly and the milk thickens to a creamy consistency.
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3
In a separate small pan, heat the sugar over medium-low heat without stirring initially. Once it begins to melt, gently swirl the pan until it turns a deep golden amber color.
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4
Carefully pour the caramelized sugar into the simmering milk and rice mixture. Be cautious as the mixture may bubble up.
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5
Continue to cook on low heat, stirring constantly, until the caramel is fully incorporated and the kheer reaches a rich, thick, Rabdi-like consistency.
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6
Fold in the chopped mixed nuts and serve warm or chilled as per your preference.
Chef Kunal's Pro Secret Tip
The secret to the perfect caramel is patience; never stir the sugar with a spoon while it is melting, as this causes crystallization. Instead, gently swirl the pan to ensure even heat distribution, and pull it off the heat the moment it reaches a deep amber color to prevent a bitter, burnt flavor.
Recipe FAQs & Expert Advice
How can I store leftover Caramel Kheer and reheat it properly?
Store the kheer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to loosen the consistency, as the rice will continue to absorb moisture and thicken significantly while chilled.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
Yes, you can substitute full-fat milk with thick coconut milk or almond milk for a nutty profile. Note that plant-based milks have different fat contents, so you may need to simmer them longer to achieve the desired creamy texture.