Pregnancy Friendly Kheer
Few desserts are as deeply comforting as this slow-cooked Indian rice pudding, where whole milk and basmati rice are gently simmered together until thick, creamy, and fragrant with cardamom, saffron, and a whisper of rose water. The long, patient cook time is what makes it so special — the milk reduces gradually, the rice softens completely, and the whole pot takes on a gorgeous pale golden hue that feels almost celebratory. During pregnancy, it can be hard to find indulgent sweets that feel genuinely nourishing, and this one delivers on both fronts with whole milk, nuts, and dried fruit all cooked right in. Cashews and almonds are toasted in butter until golden and fragrant before being stirred through, adding a satisfying richness and a little textural contrast to every spoonful. Golden raisins plump up beautifully in the warm pudding, giving little bursts of natural sweetness throughout. It works equally well served warm straight from the pot, at room temperature, or chilled from the fridge — making it a flexible option whether you're craving something cozy or cool. A scatter of pistachios on top is optional but highly recommended for that final pop of color and crunch.
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Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
- 5 cups whole milk
- ¼ cup basmati rice, rinsed
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ¼ tsp ground cardamom
- 1 pinch saffron threads
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp raw cashews, roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp raw almonds, slivered or roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp golden raisins
- 1 tsp rose water
For serving
- 1 tbsp pistachios, roughly chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the milk and rinsed basmati rice in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring frequently to prevent the milk from scorching on the bottom.
- 2
Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring every 2–3 minutes and scraping the bottom and sides of the pan, until the milk has reduced by roughly half and the rice is completely soft and the mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 35–40 minutes.
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