Kheer
A creamy South Asian rice pudding made by simmering rice slowly in milk with sugar and flavoring with cardamom, saffron and nuts.
- Chocolate, sugar and confectionery
- India
Also called: payasa
Kheer is cooked on the stovetop. Rice is simmered in whole milk, stirring often, until the grains soften and the milk reduces and thickens. Sugar, cardamom and often saffron are stirred in near the end, and the pudding is topped with sliced almonds, pistachios or raisins.
It is served warm or chilled and made for festivals, temple offerings and family celebrations. In South India, a similar dish is called payasam. Versions are also made with vermicelli, sago or semolina in place of rice.
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Written by VanillaGoods in our own words from these sources. Last reviewed October 15, 2026.
- Kojagiri Mohotsav, Incredible India (Ministry of Tourism, Government of India)