Just like Halloween is unthinkable without Pumpkins, so is an Indian festival without this Kheer. “Kheer” in Hindi denotes sweet pudding commonly referring to Rice Pudding. Although there exists myriad varieties, this rice pudding rules the roost. You might even call it the King of the Indian sweet puddings. Any celebration, any traditional function and what more, even for day to day entertaining this Rice pudding finds its way into the menu. It is also known as “Pal Payasam” in the South of India – “Pal” denotes milk and “Payasam” is for Pudding.

Unlike most of its counterparts, this is one Indian sweet which is very simple and easy to make. In fact bringing out the richness and elegance with simplistic of ingredients is what makes it numero uno in my opinion. The slow cooking of the milk along with rice creates that delicious thick rich flavor. Though it takes time to prepare, there exists multitude of quick versions which make life so simple. If you have say only 20 or so minutes and you need to make this sweet, then simply pressure cook rice with milk for 2-3 whistles (takes about 10 minutes in small pressure cooker). Now pour this in another saucepan, add condensed milk, sugar and nuts. There you have it

But try the following method at least once. Its totally worth it if you have never made it. This is most loved pudding in my family and especially my father is a die-hard fan of this sweet. I could not help but miss him terribly while making it in my kitchen miles away! You can make it as sweet you want. I prefer very mild sweet hence added only 2-3 tbsp but you can add more if you want to. My recipe is in no way different from many of them available on the net although I use short grained / medium grained rice. I think this is more suited than the Basmati rice which is asked for in many recipes.
Method
In a saucepan, heat the ghee. Add the chopped nuts along with raisins. Set aside when raisins get plump and nuts turn reddish brown.

In the same pan, roast the rice for 2-3 minutes in low heat.

Now add the milk. Increase the heat to med-high and let it come to a boil

Give it an occasional stir so that the milk does not stick to the bottom. Non stick pan works great for this. Also take care not to let the milk burn. Even a little burn spoils the milk. Add sugar and give it a stir.

Reduce the heat to medium and cook until the milk has reduced in half. Keep stirring often. You know its done when the milk has reduced and also the rice has cooked and is soft (not mushy). This process takes approximately 20-30minutes.

Add rest of the ingredients – saffron, cardamom and half of the roasted nuts.

Give it a stir until combined and serve garnished with the remaining nuts.

You can serve it hot or cold.

The pudding thickens with time – you can rectify it by adding more warm milk to it.

This post finds its way to Mansi’s Sweet Celebration Event.
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Hi Dhivi,
.. Happy Holi!!
Today,I hv tried this recipe on the occasion of Holi festival ,it came out delicious..i miss your Friday Prasadam as well
Hi DK – your pal payasam looks yummy! Your step by step pictures are so tempting that I just want to devour the dishes just right away .By the way, isn’t the real pal payasam minus nuts,cardamom & saffron?.
lovely recipes and pictures …am assuming the pictures were shot by a professional.
Wow-It sure sounds v complimentary to me
And no, I am not one – long way to go in the photography world
Thanks for the assumption though – DK
This sounds delicious, but can anyone tell me for how many servings these directions are approprate?
This makes about 4 servings. And yes, its indeed a delicious festive pudding famous in India
I have tried and really enjoyed your kheer. It looked so good in the pictures, I had to try it. Thanks so much for sharing.
Man, that does look delicious DK! I wish I could eat it right now, you simply awakened by sweet buds:)
thanks for sending in such a lovely entry!
lovely lovely pictures!
Lovely kheer and Wishes for a happy & prosperous Diwali to you and your family.
Kheer never looked so good…
I just love this…looks super yummy..
This is one of my favorite foods and your pictures are beautiful!
Rice pudding – my weakness!
That is so lovely Dhivi
Looks absolutely mouth watering.. Send some over to me now.. plzzzzzzzzz.. Happy Diwali to you and your family DK.
Loved the last picture Dhiv!Was reminded of my paati who made this often especially for me!!
Ok now that some compliment! Anything which reminds anyone of home is a real compliment indeed! Talking about paati, I miss mine too
Happy Diwali Divs
— DK
I really like your blog. You step by step description is really grt.
Kheer looks yummy!!
Thank you for kind words
— DK
Lovely click!
those nuts sprinkled on top look so good!
creamy and delicious… I make this the same way.. but never added pistachios… coz my mom never added them
they give a lovely colour to the picture… will add them the next time!
Cant take my eyes from the bowl…gorgeous clicks!!