Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Heat the Milk

   Pour 1.5 liters of milk into a heavy-bottomed pot and place it on the stove over medium heat.

2. 2.Add Rice

   Once the milk is warm, add 1/4 cup of washed rice to the pot. Stir gently to combine.

3. 3.Add Cardamom

   Add 3-4 crushed green cardamom pods to the milk and rice mixture.

4. 4.Simmer and Thicken

   Bring the milk to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer the kheer, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the rice starts to soften and the milk begins to thicken.

5. 5.Add Remaining Rice

   Add the remaining 1/4 cup of washed rice to the simmering milk. Continue cooking and stirring.

6. 6.Add Dry Fruits

   Add 1/2 cup of chopped mixed dry fruits (almonds, cashews, pistachios) to the kheer. Continue to stir and simmer.

7. 7.Adjust Consistency with More Milk

   As the kheer thickens, add an additional 1 cup of milk (added in two parts of 1/2 cup each at 0:56 and 1:14) to achieve the desired liquid consistency. Stir well after each addition.

8. 8.Add Saffron

   Pour in a pinch of saffron strands soaked in 2 tablespoons of warm milk. Stir to distribute the color and flavor.

9. 9.Continue Simmering

   Continue simmering and stirring the kheer until the rice is fully cooked, soft, and the kheer has reached a rich, creamy consistency. This process typically takes about 45-60 minutes from when the rice was first added.

10. 10.Add Sugar

    Add 1/2 cup of sugar (or to taste) to the kheer. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.

11. 11.Final Cook

    Cook the kheer for another 5-7 minutes after adding sugar, stirring continuously, to allow the flavors to meld and the kheer to thicken slightly more.

12. 12.Serve

    Remove the kheer from heat. It can be served warm or chilled.