Kheer

In north kheer and in South Payasam are the names given to a preparation similar to rice pudding. Instead of rice vermicelli, almonds , doodhi, dates can be used. When nothing else is added but milk is concentrated resulting dish is known as rabdi in hindi and Basundi in Marathi.

Ingredients (Serves 4):

• 1 Gallon of homogenized milk
• 2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup rice
• 1 tbsp Ghee
  
• Pistachio w/o salt, powdered or sliced
• Saffron 1/4 tsp
• Cardamom 5 pods, seeds powdered fresh
  

Directions :

1. In a big pot put ghee and fry washed and dried rice till it turns reddish brown
2. Add milk gradually with continuous stirring.
3. On medium heat with stirring reduce milk to about 2-3 quarts ( One can use condensed milk to shorten the time)
4. Add Pistachio and continue heating for 5-10 minutes
   
5. Add sugar, mix well and take off the heat
6. Add Saffron, Cardamom, pistachio and cover
7. This dish can be served hot or cold

There are many ways to modify the procedure, beauty is it comes out good always. This is the simplest delicacy.