Exotic Rice Pudding with a Secret Ingredient
Kheer is a traditional, delicious dessert, often referred to as rice pudding. To make kheer, you don’t need any special occasion—just treat yourself. Kheer has many variations. Traditionally, it is made with rice and milk, but rice can be replaced with different vegetables, fruits, or lentils. I have done many videos and posts on Manjula's Kitchen website and YouTube channel related different kheer recipes. This time, I decided to make rice kheer with a new twist. Petha is a candy-like treat made with ash gourd or winter melon, and it is readily available in Indian grocery stores. Adding Petha gives a very refreshing twist to kheer. My friends couldn't believe it, and all of them enjoyed it. For many years i've been experimenting various indian rice recipes, and today made one more change to the rice, and they kept asking about it, amazed that it was indeed rice. This recipe is very easy and takes less time than traditional kheer. Petha Rice Kheer is a fruity twist on the favorite Indian dessert, Rice Kheer. It is an easy recipe but feels like you have spent a lot of time.
Ingredients
- 3 cups whole milk
- ½ cup rice cooked
- ½ cup thinly sliced Petha, available in Indian grosser
- 2 tbsp almond powder, preferred blanched almond powder
- 3 tbsp sugar
- ¼ tsp cardamom crushed
- 2 tbsp sliced pistachios for garnishing
Instructions
- Blend the rice with half a cup of milk until the rice looks like pearls; do not make it into a paste, as this is a very important part of this recipe.
- Heat a pan on medium-low and add 2 tablespoons of water, ensuring the surface of the pan is wet. Add the blended rice, milk, thinly sliced patha, and almond powder. Increase the heat to medium-high, bring the milk to a boil, then lower the heat to medium-low. Cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally and cleaning the sides to prevent the milk from burning.
- Add sugar and cardamom and cook for a few more minutes. Remember, as the kheer (pudding) comes to room temperature, it will thicken slightly. If needed, add a bit more milk and bring it to a boil once more. At this point, you can also adjust the sugar.
- The kheer is ready. Serve it chilled and garnish with sliced pistachios.
Notes
About Rice Kheer, or pudding
Different part of India Kheer is made different, in north kheer is made using any long grain rice.
In South part of India, it is known Rice Payasm and they use short grain rice, ghee and Jaggery.
In Bangel is known as Payesh with rice and date palm jaggery.
One thing common they all use different nuts of their choice.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Kheer, often referred to as rice pudding, is a beloved traditional Indian dessert. While it is typically made with rice and milk, variations using different vegetables, fruits, or lentils/indian daal are also popular. This patha rice kheer recipe introduces a unique twist by incorporating Petha, a candy-like treat made from ash gourd or winter melon, readily available in Indian grocery stores. This addition brings a refreshing flavor to the classic kheer, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.
The Essence of Patha Rice Kheer
The essence of petha rice kheer lies in its creamy texture and the subtle sweetness of petha. The combination of cooked rice, milk, almond powder, and thinly sliced petha creates a rich and flavorful pudding. This Indian rice pudding is further enhanced with the aromatic hint of cardamom and the crunch of pistachios.
Origin and Popularity
Kheer is a traditional dessert enjoyed across India, known for its versatility and rich flavors. Each region has its own variation of kheer. In North India, it is made with long grain rice, while in South India, it is known as Rice Payasam, made with short grain rice, ghee, and jaggery. In Bengal, it is called Payesh, made with rice and date palm jaggery. Despite these regional differences, the use of nuts and a creamy base remains common.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique and Refreshing: The addition of patha gives a refreshing twist to traditional kheer.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and quick preparation.
- Delicious and Nutritious: Combines the goodness of milk, rice, and nuts.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for festive celebrations or as a special treat.
Variations of Indian Desserts
Exploring Manjula’s Kitchen reveals a treasure trove of other delicious Indian dessert recipes that you might enjoy alongside your patha rice kheer. Here are some related dishes that you might find interesting:
- Mango Cheesecake: A creamy and fruity cheesecake made with fresh mangoes
- Gulab Jamun: Deep-fried milk-solid-based balls soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup.
- Kheer: A traditional rice pudding made with milk, sugar, and flavored with cardamom and saffron.
- Rasgulla: Soft and spongy cheese balls soaked in sugar syrup.
- Seviyan Kheer: A sweet and creamy dessert made with vermicelli noodles, milk, and sugar called seviyan kheer.
Serving Suggestions
Petha rice kheer can be enjoyed in various ways:
- As a Dessert: Serve chilled for a refreshing end to your meal.
- For Festive Occasions: Perfect for festivals like Diwali, Holi, or religious ceremonies.
- With Tea or Coffee: Enjoy as a sweet treat with your afternoon tea or coffee.
- Garnished with Nuts: Add a garnish of sliced pistachios or other nuts for extra flavor and crunch.
Tips and Tricks
To perfect your petha rice kheer recipe, consider these helpful tips:
- Blend Rice Correctly: Blend the rice with milk until it looks like pearls; avoid making it into a paste.
- Use Fresh Patha: Fresh patha provides the best flavor and texture, but it is available in Indian grocery stores.
- Balance Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste preference.
- Serve Chilled: This kheer is best enjoyed chilled for the most refreshing experience.
FAQs
Can I Use Other Vegetables Instead of Petha?
Yes, you can experiment with other vegetables or fruits to create different variations of kheer.
How Long Does Petha Rice Kheer Last?
Store petha rice kheer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Is Petha Rice Kheer Gluten-Free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it is made with rice and milk.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes, you can use plant-based milk and a vegan sweetener to make a vegan version of this recipe.
What Can I Serve with Petha Rice Kheer?
Petha rice kheer pairs well with Indian breads like puri or paratha, or you can enjoy it on its own as a sweet treat.
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