Step 1: Wash Rice

Thoroughly wash 1/2 cup of rice under running water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Boil Water

In a pot, add 1 cup of water and bring it to a rolling boil over medium heat.

Step 3: Cook Rice in Water

Add the washed rice to the boiling water. Stir gently to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Add Salt

Add a pinch of salt to the cooking rice.

Step 5: Dry Rice

Continue to stir and cook the rice until all the water is absorbed and the rice appears mostly dry, which should take approximately 5-7 minutes.

Step 6: Add Milk

Pour 2 cups of milk into the pot with the cooked rice.

Step 7: Cook Kheer to Thicken

Stir continuously to prevent the milk from burning at the bottom. Cook until the rice is completely soft and the kheer thickens to a creamy consistency, approximately 10-15 minutes.

Step 8: Add Cardamom Powder

Once the kheer has thickened, add 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom powder and mix well.

Step 9: Add Jaggery

Add 1/2 cup of grated jaggery to the kheer.

Step 10: Dissolve Jaggery

Stir continuously until the jaggery completely dissolves and is well incorporated into the kheer, which should take about 3-5 minutes. The kheer will take on a light golden color.

Step 11: Serve Kheer

Transfer the Kheer into serving bowls. Garnish with dry fruits, such as cashews, and serve warm or chilled.

• Adjust jaggery quantity to your sweetness preference.

• For a richer taste, use full-fat milk.

• Soaking rice for 30 minutes before cooking can help it cook faster and become creamier.

• Add saffron strands for a fragrant Kheer.

• Include other dry fruits like almonds, pistachios, or raisins.

• Use sugar instead of jaggery for a different flavor profile.