Rice Pudding (Kheer)

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup rice (basmati or short-grain)
• 4 cups milk
• 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
• 2 tbsp chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios)
• 1 tbsp raisins (optional)
• A few drops of rose water or saffron (optional)

Instructions

1. Wash the rice and soak in water for 20–30 minutes. Drain.
2. Boil milk in a heavy-bottomed pan.
3. Add the rice to the boiling milk. Reduce heat to low.
4. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the rice is soft and mixture thickens (about 25–30 minutes).
5. Add sugar, cardamom powder, and raisins. Stir well.
6. Add chopped nuts and saffron/rose water if using.
7. Cook for another 5 minutes and turn off the heat.
8. Serve warm or chilled.