As Eid al-Fitr draws near, the one dessert that is irresistible on this festival for family and friends is kheer. This festival of breaking the fast isn’t complete without kheer, the creamy rice pudding
that’s been integral to the festive feasts for generations, as it symbolises abundance, gratitude, and communal bliss.
Kheer is a labour of love that has mothers and grandmothers slaving over steaming cooktops, preparing this dessert that is wiped clean in seconds. Usually, to make kheer, it is rice is simmered slowly in milk, along with cardamom and nuts. Its velvety texture and decadent sweetness comfort the soul after Ramadan’s reflections.
If you want to try something unique yet easy to make this Eid, try this kheer recipe by content creator Rafia Mazhar (@rafmazcooks).
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Peshawari Qissa Khwani Kheer Recipe
Ingredient:
- 1 cup boiled rice
- 4 rusk
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp milk powder (optional)
- 3/4 to 1 cup sugar
- 1 litre whole milk (hot)
- 1 tsp cardamom powder
- Handful of chopped almonds & pistachios
Method:
- Prepare Rice Paste: In a blender, combine cooked rice, rusk biscuits, warm milk, and milk powder. Blitz until completely smooth and lump-free (1-2 mins). Scrape sides; set aside. This thickens the kheer base.
- Caramelize Sugar: In a heavy-bottomed wide pan, add sugar over low heat. Let it melt slowly without stirring initially—swirl pan occasionally. Cook 8-10 mins until golden-amber (not dark brown to avoid bitterness). Remove from heat briefly.
- Temper with Hot Milk: Slowly drizzle in ½ cup hot milk while whisking vigorously (prevents seizing). Return to low flame; whisk 2-3 mins until caramel fully dissolves into smooth liquid. Scrape any stuck bits.
- Cook Kheer: Pour in rice paste and cardamom powder. Whisk continuously over medium flame. Simmer 20-25 mins, stirring often to prevent sticking—mixture bubbles, thickens to custard-like (coats spoon back). It firms more on cooling.
- Adjust & Finish: Taste; add 1-2 tbsp sugar if needed (caramel varies). Stir in 2 tbsp chopped nuts. Turn off heat.
- Chill & Serve: Transfer to serving bowl. Cool to room temp, cover, refrigerate 4+ hrs. Garnish with nuts and coconut slivers. Serve chilled for creamy, caramel-infused indulgence!
