Kheeranand Recipe

Creamy Kheeranand Recipe: A Sweet Symphony in Every Spoonful

Creamy kheeranand recipe beckons with its rich, comforting essence from indian culinary traditions.

Milk simmers slowly, releasing sweet aromas that dance through kitchens.

Delicate rice grains melt into silky textures, creating magic in every spoonful.

Cardamom whispers subtle hints of warmth, blending childhood memories with each gentle stir.

Generations have cherished this dessert, passing down secrets from grandmother to granddaughter.

Unexpected notes of saffron add golden brilliance to this classic treat.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this delectable journey of flavor and nostalgia.

FAQs For Kheeranand Recipe

  • What is Kheeranand's origin?

Kheeranand is a traditional Indian dessert originating from North India, particularly popular in regions like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar during festive celebrations.

  • Is Kheeranand similar to other rice puddings?

Yes, it’s similar to kheer but with a richer texture and more intense milk reduction, making it denser and creamier than standard rice puddings.

  • Can I use different types of rice for this recipe?

Basmati rice works best due to its long grains and aromatic quality, but short-grain rice can also be used if basmati is unavailable.

  • How important are the garnishes in Kheeranand?

Nuts and raisins are crucial as they add texture, crunch, and enhance the overall flavor profile of the dessert, providing a delightful contrast to the creamy base.

Why Kheeranand Recipe Is Sweet And Special

  • Savor Creamy Comfort: This kheer delivers a luxurious, smooth texture that wraps you in warm, comforting goodness, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings.
  • Master Traditional Cooking: The recipe teaches classic Indian dessert-making techniques, allowing home cooks to connect with authentic culinary heritage while developing kitchen skills.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible ingredients like nuts and raisins let you personalize the dessert, making it adaptable for different taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Ideal for family gatherings, festivals, and special celebrations, this kheer brings people together with its rich, traditional flavor profile that appeals to all ages.

What You’ll Need For Kheeranand Recipe

Main Ingredients:
  • Rice: A soft, starchy grain that creates the creamy base of this traditional dessert.
  • Milk: A rich, smooth liquid that provides the luxurious texture and flavor of the pudding.
  • Sugar: A sweet ingredient that balances the flavors and adds richness to the kheeranand.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Saffron: A delicate spice that adds a golden color and subtle exotic aroma to the dessert.
  • Cardamom: A warm, aromatic spice that brings depth and traditional Indian flavor to the pudding.
  • Rose Water: A fragrant liquid that adds a delicate floral note to the final dish.
Garnish and Texture:
  • Nuts, Raisins: Crunchy and sweet additions that provide textural contrast and additional flavor to the creamy pudding.

Steps To Make Kheeranand Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Rice Base

Thoroughly wash rice under cool running water until the water runs clear. Allow rice to soak in fresh water for half an hour to soften the grains and improve cooking texture.

Step 2: Warm Milk Slowly

Select a heavy-bottomed pan and pour milk into it. Heat the milk gently over medium-low flame, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and ensure smooth consistency.

Step 3: Cook Rice in Milk

Transfer soaked rice into the warm milk. Reduce heat to low and let the rice simmer, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Continue cooking until rice becomes soft and milk thickens, approximately 45-50 minutes.

Step 4: Add Sweet and Aromatic Ingredients

Incorporate following ingredients into the rice mixture:
  • Sugar
  • Saffron threads
  • Ground cardamom

Continue cooking for additional 10 minutes, allowing flavors to blend beautifully.

Step 5: Enhance with Garnishes

Remove pan from heat. Sprinkle and fold in:
  • Chopped almonds
  • Golden raisins
  • Fragrant rose water

Gently mix to distribute ingredients evenly.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Transfer kheeranand to serving bowl. Refrigerate for minimum 2 hours to allow dessert to set and flavors to intensify. Serve chilled and enjoy this traditional Indian sweet delicacy.

Helpful Tips For Kheeranand Recipe

  • Soak Rice Thoroughly: Rinse rice multiple times to remove excess starch, ensuring a creamy and smooth texture in the final dessert.
  • Monitor Milk Carefully: Stir continuously to prevent burning and achieve a rich, consistent base without scorching the bottom of the pan.
  • Control Cooking Temperature: Maintain a low, steady heat to slowly reduce milk and let rice absorb liquid without breaking down completely.
  • Enhance Flavor Wisely: Use fresh, high-quality saffron and cardamom for an authentic, aromatic taste that elevates the traditional dessert.
  • Garnish with Precision: Add nuts and raisins just before chilling to preserve their crunch and prevent them from becoming soggy.

Tasty Variations For Kheeranand Recipe

  • Coconut Milk Kheeranand: Replace dairy milk with coconut milk for a vegan, lactose-free version that adds tropical richness.
  • Low-Sugar Version: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar to reduce calorie and glycemic impact for health-conscious individuals.
  • Diabetic-Friendly Option: Substitute white rice with brown rice or quinoa to increase fiber content and lower glycemic index.
  • Nutty Protein Boost: Add almond flour or crushed almonds during cooking to enhance protein content and provide extra texture and nutrition.

What To Serve With Kheeranand Recipe

  • Complement with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Riesling or Gewürztraminer provides a light, refreshing contrast to the creamy, rich kheeranand, balancing its sweetness with subtle acidity.
  • Pair with Nutty Almond Cookies: Traditional Indian nankhatai or Italian amaretti cookies enhance the dessert's nutty undertones, creating a delightful textural and flavor harmony.
  • Serve with Spiced Chai Tea: A warm, aromatic masala chai complements the cardamom and saffron notes, offering a traditional Indian beverage pairing that elevates the kheeranand's warmth.
  • Match with Fresh Fruit Sorbet: A zesty lemon or raspberry sorbet cuts through the dessert's richness, providing a palate-cleansing and refreshing accompaniment.

Storage Guide For Kheeranand Recipe

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cover surface with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation and keep flavors fresh.
  • Transfer cooled kheeranand to freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Seal tightly and freeze for maximum 1 month.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish, add splash of milk to restore creamy texture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute warmth evenly.
  • Warm gently in saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly. Add milk gradually to maintain original smooth consistency and prevent scorching.
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Kheeranand Recipe

Kheeranand Recipe


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4.7 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours 25 mins
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Kheeranand emerges as a delightful Indian dessert blending creamy rice pudding with refreshing cucumber notes. Cooling and sweet, this unique treat offers a perfect balance of flavors that will enchant you with its traditional charm.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 liter (33.8 fluid ounces) full-fat milk
  • 1/2 cup basmati rice
  • 1 cup sugar

Nuts and Dry Fruits:

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

Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 45 crushed cardamom pods
  • 1 teaspoon rose water
  • 1 pinch saffron

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly wash rice under cold water, then immerse in fresh water for half an hour to soften grains and enhance texture.
  2. Select a sturdy, wide-bottomed pan and gently heat milk over medium-low temperature, allowing it to warm gradually without scorching.
  3. Drain rice carefully and introduce into the simmering milk, maintaining consistent low heat and stirring periodically to prevent sticking.
  4. Continue cooking rice in milk for approximately 45 minutes, gradually reducing liquid and creating a creamy, dense consistency.
  5. Incorporate sugar, crush saffron threads to release vibrant color, and sprinkle ground cardamom into the mixture, stirring smoothly for an additional 10 minutes.
  6. Remove pan from heat source, allowing residual warmth to blend flavors naturally.
  7. Gently fold chopped nuts, plump raisins, and delicate rose water into the kheer, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
  8. Transfer dessert to serving container and refrigerate for minimum two hours, allowing flavors to meld and pudding to set completely.
  9. Before serving, garnish with extra nuts and saffron strands for enhanced visual appeal and traditional presentation.

Notes

  • Soak rice thoroughly to soften grains and reduce cooking time, ensuring a creamy texture.
  • Use whole milk for richer flavor and thicker consistency, creating a more luxurious dessert experience.
  • Choose fresh, high-quality saffron and crush it between fingers before adding to enhance its vibrant color and aromatic profile.
  • Customize by using alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for different dietary preferences, making the dessert more versatile.
  • Prep Time: 30 mins
  • Cook Time: 55 mins
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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