Kheer is an Indian rice pudding dessert made with milk, sugar, and rice. It is also known as chawal ki kheer as it is made with rice. It is one of the popular Indian desserts that is usually made on special occasions or festivals in northern India along with puri (Indian puffy bread).
This is an authentic kheer recipe, with step by step instructions, that I love making at home when I want an easy party dessert. I also like making easy vermicelli kheer and tapioca pudding in the Instant Pot. You can also check out this delicious fruit custard recipe that can be served as a party dessert.
Ingredients
Rice Kheer is an Indian sweet rice dessert and requires very few basic ingredients. Basmati rice, sugar, whole milk, and optionally evaporated milk are required to make a delicious creamy kheer.
For garnishing and flavor, some saffron strands, sliced pistachios, raisins, and cardamom powder are added. Homemade milk masala powder can also be used.
Instructions
Instant Pot kheer is one of the easiest Indian dessert recipes. If you are short of time and want to make a dessert, this easy kheer recipe is just right for you as it is a true dump-and-go recipe.
To make kheer, first, rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear. There is no need to soak the rice. Now add milk, rice, and sugar to the instant pot.
Also add some cardamom powder, raisins, and saffron strands. I like to add pistachios while garnishing but you can also add them while cooking.
Pressure cook all ingredients on high-pressure mode for 10 minutes with the pressure release valve in the sealing position followed by a natural pressure release (silver pin drops by itself).
Instant pot rice kheer is now ready. Optionally, add some evaporated milk to give the kheer a creamier taste. Also, add more milk if you would like a less thick or runny kheer.
Stove top instructions
Earlier when there was no instant pot, I always made kheer in the traditional way, on the cooktop.
In the traditional method, first, the milk is allowed to boil on medium flame. Once boiled, rice is added and allowed to boil until cooked. In the end, sugar and other spices are added.
So, in the entire process, there is continuous monitoring to ensure that milk does not overflow. It also requires occasional stirring to avoid milk from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Substitutions
Rice - I like to use basmati rice for making kheer. However, other types of rice can be used as well.
Variations
Leftover rice - At times I like to use leftover rice or cooked rice to make kheer. It can be made in the Instant Pot by pressure cooking it for about 5 minutes and on the stovetop for about 10 minutes.
No nuts - to make no nut kheer, do not add any nuts like pistachios or almonds, it will still taste great!
Vegan - to make vegan kheer, use oat milk instead of dairy.
Equipment
I have made this delicious kheer in the 3 qt. Instant Pot and it can be made in the 6 qt. Instant Pot as well for a bigger batch.
While making it on the stovetop, a large pot of at least 3 qt. capacity is ideal to make this dessert.
Serving suggestions
Kheer can be served warm or chilled. Garnish with some chopped pistachios and saffron strands while serving. Kheer is also served with puri (Indian puffy bread).
I like to serve kheer as a dessert in Indian thali that includes curries like palak paneer, Indian lentils, rice dish, side dish, and a dessert.
Storage
Kheer stores well in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. If you like it warm, heat it up in the microwave before serving.
FAQ
Is kheer and payasam same?
There are several variations of rice pudding in different parts of India. In south India, kheer is called payasam and can be made of coconut milk and jaggery instead of milk and sugar and hence can be made vegan.
How to avoid kheer from sticking?
As sugar is added to the milk while pressure cooking the kheer, the kheer does not stick to the bottom of the instant pot container.
Don't forget to check out these awesome Indian desserts made in the instant pot
Don't forget to rate the recipe by clicking the stars. Also, pin the recipe by clicking the "Pin" button, for your future reference.
📖 Recipe
Kheer Recipe (Instant Pot & Stovetop)
Watch Video
Equipment
Ingredients
Making kheer in instant pot
- 4.5 cup Whole Milk
- ½ cup Basmati rice
- ½ cup Organic cane sugar
- ¼ teaspoon Saffron Strands
- ¼ teaspoon Cardamom powder
- 2 tablespoon Raisins
- ¼ cup Evaporated Milk (optional)
For garnishing
- 1 tablespoon Pistachios (chopped)
- Saffron Strands
Instructions
Making kheer in the instant pot
- Rinse the rice well with water until the water runs clear.
- Add milk, sugar, rice, saffron strands, cardamom powder, and raisins to the instant pot container.
- Lock the instant pot lid with the release valve in the sealing position. (Change the ring if you use a separate one for desserts).
- Turn the instant pot on high-pressure mode for 10 minutes followed by natural pressure release (allowing the silver pin to drop by itself).
- Optionally add evaporated milk and mix it.
- Serve warm or chilled and garnish with saffron and chopped pistachios.
Making kheer on the stovetop
- Rinse the rice well with water until the water runs clear.
- In a saucepan add 5 cups of milk. (Pot should be only filled to half its capacity, else milk can spill).
- Boil the milk on medium-high heat.
- Add rice, saffron strands, cardamom powder, and raisins to the boiling milk.
- Boil for about 15 minutes on medium-high heat.
- Stir intermittently to ensure it does not spill.
- Add sugar and mix well.
- Cook for another 3 minutes to dissolve the sugar and until rice is well cooked.
- Turn the heat off.
- Optionally add evaporated milk and mix it.
- Serve warm or chilled and garnish with saffron and chopped pistachios.
Notes
- Rice pudding will thicken as it cools down.
- If you cook it on the stovetop, it will need a little more milk as it will evaporate on boiling.
Pali says
Thank you for the stove top instructions.
Alpa Jain says
Hi Pali,
You are welcome. Let me know how it turns out.
Regards
Alpa
Pali says
Do you have a recipe to make this on the stove pot please as I dont have an Instant Pot.
Pali says
Thank you for the stove top recipe. I will be making this to enjoy for New Years.
Sharique says
Very simple and delicious recipe. I just used sugar, rice and milk. I reduced the amount of sugar. Instead of using 1/2 cup of sugar, I added somewhere between 1/4 and 1/2. It came out perfect tasting. Thank you Alpa for posting this.
Alpa Jain says
Hi Sharique,
Thankyou for your feedback. Glad you liked it.
Regards
Alpa