Preparation

**Kheer (Rice Pudding)**

**Yields:** Approximately 4-6 servings
**Prep time:** 5 minutes
**Cook time:** 60-75 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* White Rice: 84g (approximately ½ cup)
* 1% Fat Milk: 1464g (approximately 6 cups)
* Sugar: 56g (approximately ¼ cup)
* Mixed Nuts: 28g (approximately ¼ cup), chopped
* Water: ¼ cup
* Pinch of salt (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Rinse the Rice:** Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the kheer from becoming too gummy.
2. **Initial Cook:** In a medium-sized pot, combine the rinsed rice and ¼ cup of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the water is absorbed. This partially cooks the rice, reducing cooking time later.
3. **Add Milk:** Pour the 6 cups of milk into the pot with the partially cooked rice. Stir gently to combine.
4. **Simmer and Stir:** Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. It's crucial to keep the heat low to prevent the milk from scorching. Stir frequently, especially at the bottom of the pot, to prevent sticking and burning.
5. **Cook Rice:** Continue to simmer the rice in the milk, stirring frequently, for approximately 50-60 minutes, or until the rice is very soft and the mixture has thickened to a creamy consistency. The rice grains should be almost completely broken down.
6. **Add Sugar:** Once the rice is cooked to your liking and the kheer has thickened, add the sugar. Stir well to dissolve the sugar completely.
7. **Simmer Briefly:** Continue to simmer for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the sugar to meld with the kheer. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. Add a pinch of salt if desired.
8. **Add Nuts:** Stir in about ¾ of the chopped mixed nuts. Reserve the remaining nuts for garnish.
9. **Cool and Serve:** Remove the kheer from the heat and let it cool slightly. The kheer will thicken further as it cools.
10. **Garnish and Serve:** Serve the kheer warm or chilled, garnished with the reserved chopped mixed nuts.