Saffron Kheer with Rose & Cardamom – A Fragrant Creamy Rice Pudding
Mummy used to make this warm rice pudding flavored with cardamom, gently golden by the pinch of saffron and a fragrant wiff of rose.
This dessert is a trip down memory lane to my mother’s kitchen when she’d make kheer for festive meals, holidays or just plain because we were having fried puris.
Hope you’ll enjoy it as much as we do for any occasion.
PREP: 5 Minutes COOKING: 30-45 Minutes Or 30-40 Minutes In An Instant Pot®
Serves 4-6
Ingredients:
the rice, sugar and spices from the kit
4 cups whole milk or 1 can full-fat coconut milk
1 cup water (2 ½ cups if using coconut milk)
sugar from the pouch
1 tbsp raisins (optional)
½ cup heavy cream (optional)
2 tbsp toasted nuts, slivered (optional)
saffron & cardamom mix from pouch
rose petal and cardamom mix from the pouch
Cooking Directions:
- Rinse the rice until the water runs clear.
- In a large pot, bring the rice, sugar, milk/coconut milk, and water to a simmer.
- When simmering, place 1 tbsp of the hot liquid in a small bowl. Add the saffron and cardamom and let the spices soak for 10 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover and cook for 10-12 minute Stir in the sugar, saffron mixture, and raisins if using.
- Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the cream (if using) and simmer for 10 more minutes, scraping down the sides to collect all the flavor. If the rice is not yet soft after the milk reduces, add ¼ cup water and continue cooking.
- When the rice is soft and thick, turn off the heat. Garnish with the rose petals and cardamom.
- Top with toasted nuts and serve warm or chilled.
Instant Pot®: Rinse the rice as in step 1. Place the rice, sugar, 1 cup water, 2 cups of milk OR 1 can of coconut milk in the pot. Attach the lid and select High Pressure for 13 minutes. When the cook time ends, turn off the Instant Pot and release the pressure naturally. Remove the lid when safe. Stir in the saffron and cardamom while warm. Add ¼ cup water if too thick. Top with rose petals, cardamom, and nuts. Serve warm or chilled.
