Making kheer, a creamy and delicious Indian rice pudding, is a traditional way of celebrating special occasions. It is a popular dessert that is loved by people of all ages. However, the traditional method of making kheer can be time-consuming and requires constant attention. But worry not! With the help of a rice cooker, you can easily make kheer without any hassle. In this article, we will guide you through a simple and time-saving recipe to make kheer in a rice cooker.
Gather the Ingredients
Before you begin making kheer in a rice cooker, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients at hand. For this recipe, you will need the following:
– 1 cup of basmati rice
– 4 cups of milk
– 1/2 cup of sugar (adjust according to your taste)
– A pinch of saffron strands
– A handful of crushed nuts (almonds, cashews, and pistachios)
– 1 teaspoon of cardamom powder
– 1 tablespoon of ghee
– Raisins for garnishing
Preparation
Clean and Rinse the Rice
To start, take the basmati rice and wash it thoroughly under running water. Rinse it until the water runs clear. This step helps in removing any impurities and starch from the rice, resulting in a better texture for your kheer.
Soak the Rice
Once the rice is clean, soak it in water for about 30 minutes. Soaking the rice softens it, enabling it to cook evenly and faster in the rice cooker.
Crush the Nuts
While the rice is soaking, take a handful of almonds, cashews, and pistachios and crush them into small pieces. You can use a pestle and mortar or a food processor for this. Keep the crushed nuts aside as they will be used for garnishing the kheer later.
Cooking Process
Drain the Rice
After 30 minutes of soaking, drain the water from the rice using a colander. Make sure to remove all excess water to ensure the appropriate rice to milk ratio for your kheer.
Start the Rice Cooker
Now, turn on your rice cooker and add ghee to the pot. Ghee adds a rich flavor to the kheer. Let the ghee melt and coat the bottom of the pot.
Add the Rice
Once the ghee has melted, add the drained rice to the rice cooker. Stir the rice gently with a spoon or spatula to ensure that it is well coated with the ghee.
Pour in the Milk
After the rice is coated with ghee, slowly pour in the milk. Make sure to use full-fat milk for a creamier and more delicious kheer. You can also use a combination of milk and condensed milk for a richer taste.
Add Flavorings
Now, add the sugar, saffron strands, and cardamom powder to the rice cooker. These ingredients give the kheer its distinctive flavor and aroma. Stir everything well to combine the flavors.
Cooking Time
Once all the ingredients are added, close the lid of the rice cooker and set it to the “Cook” mode. Let the kheer cook for approximately 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
Finishing Touches
Garnish the Kheer
After the kheer is cooked and has reached a creamy consistency, turn off the rice cooker and open the lid. Give it a final stir and garnish it with the crushed nuts and some raisins. The garnishing not only adds a visual appeal but also enhances the taste.
Serve and Enjoy!
Your homemade kheer is now ready to be served and enjoyed. You can serve it warm or chilled, according to your preference. Kheer can be enjoyed as it is or with a sprinkle of extra cardamom powder or a few strands of saffron on top.
Cleaning the Rice Cooker
After serving the kheer, it is important to clean the rice cooker properly. Remove the inner pot and wash it with warm soapy water. Make sure to remove any stuck-on rice or milk residue. Rinse it thoroughly and let it air dry before storing.
Making kheer in a rice cooker is a convenient and time-saving method. It eliminates the need for constant stirring and monitoring while still delivering a delicious and creamy dessert. So, the next time you crave a bowl of kheer, grab your rice cooker and follow this simple recipe for a delightful treat.