Kheer is loved by most people and it also holds a special place in the millions of people’s hearts. This is not only considered a dessert, it is considered an icon of celebration, warmth, and tradition. The major ingredients used to make this delicious recipe are rice, milk and sugar and this kheer is specialised with nuts, saffron and the most important ingredient cardamom, which gives its taste and aroma and makes the recipe rich.

In this blog, we will explore the importance of cardamom in kheer and also the health benefits of adding cardamom to kheer & I will also be listing out the recipe for making a perfect Indian rice pudding.

The Importance of Adding Cardamom in Kheer

As I have already mentioned above, cardamom is the key ingredient in making kheer. This transforms a simple rice pudding into a well-balanced dessert not only by taste but also with great health benefits. Let’s look into some of the health benefits of adding cardamom to this dessert:

1. The Enhancement of Flavor

Cardamom gives a warm and slightly sweet taste something like a combo of mint and citrus. This will balance the richness of milk and the sweetness of sugar. So, without adding this, the kheer may feel over-milky or give you a flat taste.

2. Great Aroma

Adding cardamom will make every bite of kheer delightful for you and will stimulate your taste buds. The great aromatic experience is given by the crushed cardamom which is fresh.

3. Digestion Aid

Mostly Kheer is served at the end of the meal, more popularly in Indian weddings. Did you know the reason why it is served at the end? Cardamom helps in breaking down the dairy and also it prevents discomfort or bloating which is caused by the food or kheer you ate at the wedding. It makes it easier to digest.

4. Metabolism Boost

Cardamom helps in detoxifying the body. It helps in reducing Blood sugar by boosting the metabolism. This makes our kheer a nourishing treat and not just a dessert.

5. Significance of Tradition & Culture

Kheer is made mostly during some auspicious occasions and it is also served to deities during celebrations. And here is where cardamom comes in as it is linked to prosperity and it is added to the kheer. This special spice is treasured by Indian traditions.

Recipe of Kheer with Cardamom

Now, you have read why cardamom is necessary for kheer, so let’s get into the recipe of kheer that has been made by Indians through generations.

Ingredients:

Now, let me list down the ingredients you need to make this yummy kheer:

• ¼ cup of Basmati Rice (or any fragrant rice)
• 1 liter of milk (full-fat)
• ¼ cup of sugar (adjust as per your taste and if want, use honey instead)
• 4 to 5 green cardamom pods (slightly crushed or even powdered will work)
• 10 to 12 almonds & Cashews (chopped)
• 10 to 15 raisins (soaked for 4 hours)
• Saffron strands (a pinch and it’s optional)
• 1 tablespoon of ghee
• 2 tablespoons of condensed milk (gives extra richness but it’s optional)

How to Make:

1. The first thing you should do is wash and soak the rice for 20 minutes before you start cooking kheer. This will help the rice cook even and absorb the flavour of milk and cardamom.

2. Then, use a heavy-bottomed pan to boil the milk as this will ensure that the milk is not burnt. After a gentle boil, keep it on medium flame. Then keep stirring the milk as it will stick to the bottom.

3. Then, after 20 minutes, drain the rice and add to the milk that is boiling milk. Cook the rice in milk on low heat and stir occasionally. It will take 25 to 30 minutes to soften the rice grains. After the rice is well cooked the milk will also reduce and thicken. This is where you should add sugar and after the sugar dissolves completely add condensed milk. 

4. Add 4 to 5 slightly crushed cardamom pods to the kheer and alternatively, you can also use half a teaspoon of ground cardamom for more deep flavour. Stir well, and let the kheer absorb the cardamom’s essence.

5. Then, you have to take a small pan and then, heat a tablespoon of ghee and roast all the dry fruits (almonds, cashews and raisins) you gathered before until they turn golden brown, This will be added to the kheer and then mixed well.

6. Finally, you can add saffron if want, but don’t add it directly, you soak it in warm milk and then add it. So that, it will give you a luxurious colour and taste. Then, cook the kheer for another 5 mins and then turn off the heat. As per the preference, you can serve the kheer warm or chill.

Extra tip for More taste:

Before serving you can garnish the kheer with extra nuts and also sprinkle some ground cardamom for added aroma.

Variations in Kheer

1. Vermicelli Kheer

Popularly known as Seviyan ki kheer. To make this you have to buy thin vermicelli noodles which you can replace in the place of rice. This cooks faster compared to rice kheer but will have a slight difference in texture.

2. Sabudana Kheer

This is also called Tapioca pudding which is made with sago pearls known as sabudana. This is consumed mostly during fasting. Adding cardamom in it gives a comforting warmth which makes this an excellent recipe for any religious occasion.

3. Coconut Kheer

Then comes the third type of kheer in which you should add coconut milk instead of normal regular milk. When the rice cooks in coconut milk, this becomes coconut kheer and cardamom goes well with coconut, as it is a perfect combo. Woh, this is the South Indian twist, amazing, This gives a heavenly flavour.

4. Jaggery Kheer

This is considered the healthier option among all the kheers. To make this, you just have to replace the sugar with jaggery. But unlike normal kheer, you should add the jaggery after turning off the flame as the boiling jaggery with milk will curdle. The earthy flavour of jaggery wonderfully blends with the aroma of cardamom.

Final Takeaway

Cardamom is one of the essential spices that needs to go in the kheer and it’s the heart of it. Adding cardamom not only increases the taste but also helps in digestion, metabolism and the significance of culture. Whenever you are making kheer, don’t ever skip this incredible spice as the essence of it makes the flavour complete.

So, the next when you make kheer, take some time to appreciate these small but powerful green pods of cardamom as they hold the secret to making your kheer perfect and get unlimited compliments.

Related Articles:

• Cardamom in Ayurveda: Traditional Uses for Health & Wellness
• The Secret to Make Rasamalai – The Magic of Cardamom
• Cardamom Oil: Uses, Benefits, and How to Make It at Home