Creamy Rice Kheer with Dairy Milk & Cashew Crunch

Is there any dessert that evokes the nostalgia of family get-togethers and celebration times more than rice kheer? In most Indian homes, this sweet is a regular fixture during special events. Adding Dairy Milk and cashews to it, you can bestow this classic dessert with a modern twist that has creamy richness coupled with a crunchy bite.

Cashew and Dairy Milk rice kheer is not only a delight to the palate but also an ode to the union of traditional and modern flavors. The kheer's creaminess, the cashews' nutty flavor, and the chocolate's sweetness all blend together to produce a dessert that's at once comforting and sinful.

Whether you're marking a festival, having a dinner party, or just in the mood for something sweet, this creamy version of kheer is bound to impress. Let's learn the recipe and find out how to prepare this wonderful dessert.

Creamy Rice Kheer with Dairy Milk & Cashew Crunch Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup basmati rice
• 1 liter full-fat milk
• 1/2 cup sugar (to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
• 1/2 cup Dairy Milk chocolate, chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped cashews
• 1 tablespoon ghee
• 2 tablespoons raisins (optional)

Method:

1. Rinse the basmati rice well and soak in water for 30 minutes.
2. Drain and cook.
3. In a heavy pan, boil the milk.
4. Add the soaked rice and bring to low heat.
5. Cook rice in the milk, stirring every now and then to avoid sticking, until rice is tender and milk thickened (30-40 minutes).
6. Add sugar, cardamom powder, and saffron strands, if using.
7. Mix well to merge.
8. Heat ghee in another pan and dry roast the chopped cashews, until golden brown.
9. Add raisins and sauté for one minute.
10. Add the roasted cashews and raisins to kheer.
11. Mix chopped Dairy Milk chocolate into the kheer until melted and mixed into the kheer.
12. Serve warm or cold, topped with extra cashews or chocolate shavings, if wanted.

7 Flavor Pairing Tips for Creamy Rice Kheer with Dairy Milk & Cashew Crunch

Balancing Sweetness

When incorporating Dairy Milk into the kheer, it's essential to adjust the sugar content accordingly. Dairy Milk is inherently sweet, so reducing the added sugar ensures the dessert isn't overly sweet. Taste the kheer after adding the chocolate and adjust the sugar to your preference.

Enhancing with Spices

Cardamom is a traditional spice in kheer, but you can try using others such as cinnamon or nutmeg for a change of flavor. A sprinkle of these spices can give the dessert some depth to it, along with balancing the sweetness of the chocolate and the richness of the cashews.

Selecting the Right Rice

Basmati rice is used for its aromatize and grain length, which contributes to the overall beauty of the kheer. Make sure the rice is cooked but not mushy so that it can soak up the milk and flavors well.

Roasting Nuts for Crunch

Roasting cashews in ghee makes them even tastier and introduces a crunchy texture to the kheer. Take care not to over-roast, as burnt nuts give a bitter flavor. The golden brown cashews are a wonderful contrast to the kheer, which is creamy.

Using Chocolate

Adding in shredded Dairy Milk chocolate in the last stage of cooking enables it to melt consistently, and its sweetness and creaminess permeate the kheer. Stir constantly to prevent the chocolate from accumulating at the bottom and burning.

Serving Temperature

Cashew and Dairy Milk rice kheer can be had either warm or refrigerated. Serving warm provides a soothing experience, but serving chilled makes the flavors blend more and gives a refreshing dessert to serve, particularly during warmer seasons.

Garnishing for Presentation

Aesthetics contribute to the dining experience. Top the kheer with slivers of roasted cashews, a pinch of cardamom powder, or shaved chocolate. Not only do they add beauty, but they also suggest the flavors inside the dessert.