Kheer is more than just dessert, it’s tradition in a bowl. This creamy Indian rice pudding has been gracing celebrations, festivals, and family tables for over two thousand years. Its name comes from the Sanskrit word kshira, meaning milk, and its simple trio of rice, milk, and sugar carries deep cultural meaning across generations.
One legend ties kheer to the ancient game of chess and a timeless lesson in humility and foresight. As the story goes, a king, pleased with the invention of chess, offers the creator any reward he desires. The inventor requests just a grain of rice on the first square of the chessboard, then to double it on each square that follows. Amused, the king agrees, unaware of the exponential scale of the request. By the 64th square, the total owed is more rice than all the world could supply. This tale, still associated with the Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna temple in Kerala, underscores the power of small beginnings, and the tradition of offering payasam (kheer) as prasadam continues there today.
Whether known as kheer in the north or payasam in the south, this comforting dish has always symbolized joy, love, and unity.
Our version keeps the soul of the classic but swaps sugar for Oobli Sweet Protein Blend—a plant-based sweetener that tastes like sugar is processed like a protein in the body, meaning no blood sugar spikes, no crashes. Finished with toasted nuts and coconut for texture, it’s a wholesome twist on a timeless favorite.
Ingredients:
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6 cups whole milk
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¼ cup basmati rice
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Pinch of salt
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6 cardamom pods
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1/8 tsp Oobli Sweet Protein Blend
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Toppings: slivered almonds (toasted), shredded coconut, chopped pistachios
Directions:
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In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat milk and cardamom pods over medium-high heat until just beginning to boil, stirring occasionally and scraping the bottom to prevent sticking.
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Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in basmati rice and salt. Continue stirring and scraping the bottom frequently until rice is completely soft and pudding has thickened to a loose oatmeal consistency (50-55 minutes).
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Remove from heat and let cool for at least 20 minutes.
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Remove and discard cardamom pods. Stir in vanilla extract and Oobli Sweet Protein Blend until well combined.
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Divide into bowls and top with toasted almonds, shredded coconut, and chopped pistachios.
- Enjoy!
