5 from 3 votes

Authentic Thick Pakistani Kheer is a traditional Pakistani/Indian rice pudding. Authentic Kheer is thick, not runny—it should hold its shape, even if you turn the bowl upside down. This post will show you how to make it perfectly.

WHAT IS KHEER?

Authentic Thick Pakistani Kheer is a Pakistani/Indian version of rice pudding. However, Kheer is unique because of its unique thick texture. Kheer is slow cooked to perfection by using half n half and heavy whipping cream. It's a labor of love and yes! Towards the end you will need a strong arm to stir non-stop for 20 minutes or so. This is one of my favorite Pakistani dessert recipes.

Kheer is one of my daughter's favorite Pakistani recipes, So I make this a lot. This is my go-to Pakistani dessert recipes just like Sooji Ka Halwa or Shahi Turka.

This is my all-time favorite desi dessert—I’ve loved it since I was a little girl. For me, Kheer isn’t complete without a clay pot. It drives me crazy when I see runny Kheer at Pakistani/Indian restaurants in the U.S. In my family, Kheer has always been thick, and that’s how it should be! Yes! I do claim this Kheer is better than any restaurant.

4 bowls of kheer in the picture with pista trail.

IS IT NECESSARY TO REFRIGERATE OVERNIGHT?

As I told you Kheer is a slow process if one want to achieve perfection then refrigerate overnight is strongly recommended but 4-6 hours minimal in the refrigerator.

wood masher on the side as the kheer sits in the pot.

WHY NOT TO USE WHOLE MILK FOR THIS RECIPE?

Whole milk will leave the Kheer with the liquidy consistency. Authentic Kheer needs to thick so the whole milk is a big NO!

WHY ONLY WASH THE RICE NOT SOAKING THEM FOR SOMETIME?

The rice will be soaking in half n half whilst cooking, so no need to soak them in water.

CAN KHEER BE MADE IN AN INSTANT POT?

The answer is yes most definitely, however, you won't get the thick authentic texture or taste.

HOW TO WASH THE RICE FOR KHEER?

Wash the rice with water and then drain it repeat that about 2-3 times until the water is clear.

Drain the water one last time make sure all the water gets out.

6 bowls of kheer pista powder on the side.

TIPS

Use only Basmati rice for Kheer.
Stirring at the end is one of the most crucial parts in making the perfect thick Kheer.
Never crush the rice before hand.
Don't scrub the side if you scrub the side Kheer will be brown.
Always use a Tawa for making Kheer at all time.

INGREIDENT

Half n Half and Heavy Whipping Cream- The combination of these two things will give the ultimate traditional thickness.
Rice- I used basmati rice.
Sugar- Opt for Regular sugar not Stevia or Splenda for traditional Kheer taste.
Whole spices- These are extremely essential ingredients in terms of the taste of the Kheer.

HOW TO MAKE KHEER?

Place a tawa under the pot and add Half n Half in a pot. Heat it up and let it come to a boil once.

Add in the rinsed rice, cloves and green cardamom.

Now let it come to the boil about 12-15 times. Each time it comes to a boil give a quick stir. This process will take 1 hr to 1hr 15 min.

Remember not scrub the sides or the kheer won't be white.

It should look like this. Now add the heavy whipping cream, sugar and Kewra.

Now take the wooden masher and keep stirring and mashing down the rice on medium heat for about 20 minutes.

It should be this thick. Discard the cloves and green cardamoms.
Now distribute in bowls or bowl that the kheer will be set in.

Wrap a cling-wrap or air-tight lid on the bowls before refrigerating it. Refrigerate it overnight. Apply the warq (optional) and sprinkle pistachios powder on top.

WHAT GOES WITH KHEER?

Kheer is a perfect dessert that goes well with wide-range of dishes like Mutton Biryani, Karahi Gosh t, or/and Chicken Korma.

LINKS

Here are the links for some of the best tools I found that goes with the perfect Kheer wood masher, tawa, edible genuine silver loose leaf, and the pot. Lastly, the clay bowls in the picture I purchased some from a random store in Edison, New Jersey and some from a random shop on Devon street in Chicago, Illinois.

Hey Friend, You’ve made it this far, so now we’re basically best friends! If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a quick review & star rating ★ below. Make sure you follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

LET'S MAKE KHEER!!!

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5 from 3 votes