Dear food enthusiasts and seekers of culinary delights, today I bring you a recipe that embodies the essence of festivities, an indulgence that’s perfect for special occasions like Diwali and other Indian festivals – my Rose-Flavored Kheer. As someone who loves creating exquisite dishes, I’ve discovered that this recipe perfectly encapsulates the spirit of celebration and togetherness that these festivals represent.
A Timeless Classic: Kheer
Kheer, often referred to as rice pudding, holds a special place in Indian cuisine. It’s a dessert that transcends generations, offering both comfort and celebration. While the classic kheer is a beloved treat in itself, infusing it with the delicate and enchanting flavor of roses takes it to a whole new level.
Diwali and other Indian festivals are a time for families to come together, for homes to be adorned with lights and colors, and for sumptuous feasts to be shared. This Rose-Flavored Kheer is a perfect addition to your festive spread, whether you’re celebrating the triumph of light over darkness or any other joyous occasion. Its elegance and rich flavors make it a delightful choice to mark these special moments.
Ingredients for Rose-flavored Kheer
My Rose-Flavored Kheer is a fusion of tradition and elegance. It starts with the heartiness of rice, simmered in a pool of creamy milk that gives it a comforting texture. But what truly sets it apart is the aroma of roses. A touch of rose essence or rose water transforms the familiar into the extraordinary. The fragrance of roses in every spoonful adds a hint of enchantment to your dining experience.
In any Indian dessert, a subtle touch of spice is essential to elevate the flavors. Crushed cardamom pods or cardamom powder add a warm and aromatic note to this kheer. As you indulge, the cardamom seeds release their fragrant essence, creating a delightful harmony with the floral rose flavor.
To complete this culinary masterpiece, garnishes play a pivotal role. A handful of slivered almonds not only adds a delightful crunch but also enhances the visual appeal of your Rose-Flavored Kheer. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference. Additionally, edible rose petals serve as a fragrant and beautiful garnish that elevates the presentation of your dessert. The delicacy of rose petals adds a touch of sophistication to your creation.
How to Make Rose-Flavored Kheer
Begin by washing the rice and letting it soak, setting it aside for later use. This step ensures the rice is clean and ready to absorb the delicious flavors.
Take a heavy-bottomed pan and pour in the milk. Place it over medium-low heat. Stir the milk continuously until it comes to a gentle boil. This initial step is crucial for creating a creamy base for the kheer.
Once the milk has come to a gentle boil, add the sugar and mix it thoroughly. Ensure that the sugar is completely dissolved and incorporated into the milk. This sweet infusion is what transforms the milk into a delightful dessert.
Add the strained rice to the sweetened milk. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan. The rice will absorb the sweetness of the milk as it cooks.
After approximately 15 minutes, you’ll notice that the rice has cooked. Use a masher to break and mush the rice. This step not only thickens the kheer but also provides a delightful texture. The rice becomes soft and creamy.
Now, it’s time to enhance the kheer’s taste and fragrance. Add the smashed cardamom pods (lightly crushed to release their flavor) and rose essence. Stir everything together to infuse the kheer with these aromatic elements, creating a delightful sensory experience.
Continue to stir and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the kheer to reach the desired consistency. At this point, add in half of the slivered almonds if you’re using them. Turn off the heat and let the kheer sit for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the kheer to set and develop its rich taste.
Your Rose-Flavored Kheer is now ready to be enjoyed. It can be served either hot or cold, depending on your preference. Garnish it with the remaining slivered almonds to add an extra layer of texture and visual appeal. The kheer is a delightful treat that can be savored at any time of day.
Explore More Diwali Recipes!
Rose-Flavored Kheer
Ingredients
- ½ cup Rice
- ¼ cup Sugar
- 5-6 cups Milk
- 2-3 Cardamon Pods Crushed, Sub for powder
- 1 tsp Rose Essence or Rose Water Double for stronger flavor
- Handful of Slivered Almonds
- 1 tbsp Edible rose petals optional for garnish
Instructions
- Wash and soak rice, set aside
- To a heavy bottom pan, add milk and place on medium-low heat. Stir continously till it reaches 1 boil
- Add in sugar and mix well. Make sure it is completely dissolved and incorporated
- Add in the strained rice. Keep stirring occasionaly to make sure it doesn't stick.
- After 15 mins you will notice the rice is cooked. Take a masher and mash the rice to make sure its broken and mushy, this step thickens the kheer as well
- Next, add in the smashed cardamon pods (smash lightly with a mallet to release the flavor) and rose essence. Mix well
- Keep stirring and cook for another 5-7 mins. Add in half the slivered almonds(if using). Turn off the gas and let sit for 10 mins
- Serve it hot or cold with remaining slivered almonds as garnish. Enjoy!
Nutrition
This recipe takes the traditional kheer to a new level with the addition of rose essence, providing a fragrant and elegant twist to this classic dessert. Whether you enjoy it warm or chilled, this Rose-Flavored Kheer is sure to delight your taste buds. Enjoy the creamy richness and aromatic notes of this delicious treat!
So, whether you’re celebrating Diwali with family and friends or simply craving a dessert that transports you to a world of enchantment, my Rose-Flavored Kheer is a must-try. It’s a fragrant delight that embraces the spirit of togetherness and celebration, just as the festivals it’s perfect for. Enjoy every spoonful of this indulgent treat!
❤️ Gurleen
