Background

• Kheer is one of the most popular Indian desserts, a simple rice or vermicelli pudding with dried fruits, cardamom, nuts, and saffron

Ingredients

• ¼ cup long grain basmati rice

• 4 cups unsweetened soy or almond milk (reduce the sugar if using sweetened milk)

• 4 cardamom pods or equivalent coriander powder

• 3 tablespoons sugar

• ½ cup mixture of raw nuts (pistachio, blanched almonds, and cashews are best)

• 5-6 strands of saffron if you can get it

• Instructions

1. Soak rice in water for at least 30 minutes then drain
2. Getting cardamom in mortal and pestle or spice grinder and combine with sugar
3. Chop the nuts into small pieces
4. Bring milk to rolling boil then add rice and lower the heat to about burning the milk. Cook rice in milk for 40 minutes to an hour, stirring regularly to ensure no burning, until rice is cooked and mixture is thickening.
5. Add sugar, saffron (if using) and chopped nuts and mix.
6. Serve hot or allow to cool.