• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Profusion Curry
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Salads
    • Comfort Food
    • Curry Recipes
    • Desserts
    • Dinner
    • Drinks
    • Gluten Free
    • Indian Food
    • Instant Pot
    • Keto Friendly Low Carb Vegetarian Recipes
    • Seasonal and Holiday Recipes
    • Vegan Recipes
  • Story Archives
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Winter Meals
  • Recipe Index
  • About Us
  • Privacy
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Winter Meals
    • Recipe Index
    • About Us
    • Privacy
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Profusion Curry » Desserts

    Rice Kheer – Indian Rice Pudding Recipe

    Published: Aug 15, 2019 · Modified: May 16, 2022 by Prajakta Sukhatme · This post may contain affiliate links · 9 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Rice Kheer, made from rice, milk, sugar, coconut and cardamom, is one of the most popular desserts in India. Learn how to make your own rich, delicious rice kheer at home.

    Coconut Rice Kheer which is also called Payasam or chawal ki kheer is a creamy indulgent Indian dessert. It often is prepared to celebrate special occasions and during festivals. This vegan kheer uses coconut milk to make delicious and satisfying kheer.

    Jump to:
    • Vegan Rice Kheer
    • Instant Pot Payasam
    • Coconut Rice Kheer
    • Ingredients
    • How to make Instant Pot Rice Kheer
    • How to make rice kheer on stove top
    • Recipe Highlights
    • Pro Tip
    • Our Popular Indian Recipes
    • Rice Kheer – Indian Rice Pudding Recipe

    Fragrant basmati rice is cooked with coconut milk and cream ( plant based ) and infused with saffron, nutmeg and cardamom. It’s often garnished with raisins and assorted dried fruits.

    I love making variety of Indian food using electrical pressure cooker like Instant Pot. Rajma Masala, Palak Paneer and Punjabi Chole are super easy to make and perfect for a scrumptious dinner.

    Vegan Rice Kheer

    Similar to Gajar Halwa – Carrot Almond Pudding, this vegan rice kheer is gluten free and dairy free. I am including Instant Pot and stove top instructions to make this Indian Dessert recipes.

    This rice kheer or Payasam is offered as a PRASAD during most pooja ceremonies. So in India and abroad, this dessert is very popular during month of monsoon (Shravan)

    It also makes routine appearance on festival celebrations likes of Diwali, Dashera and Holi.

    Instant Pot Payasam

    Traditional recipe of making Rice Kheer or Payasam involves hours of intensively involved cooking and monitoring. The rice while cooking with milk needs to be monitored constantly as it tends to burn quickly if ignored.

    However electric pressure cooker like Instant Pot, makes the process of making kheer a complete breeze. The best thing is it’s hassle free – stirring free. Just a dump and go type recipe. The dreamy creamy dessert gets ready in less than 30 mins!

    Coconut Rice Kheer

    The kheer tastes amazing since the rice is cooked in milk itself. It makes the dense creamy morsels as the milk thickens along.

    The Porridge setting in instant pot is ideal to make this recipe. Since cooking is done with lid closed, all the flavors infuse intensely. With much less monitoring, you have just as good if not better results. Happy me !

    The cardamom and saffron gives a wonderful aroma and color to this pudding like dessert. Just like Rose Infused Saffron Lemonade, it is my favorite seasoning.

    Coconut rice kheer garnished with saffron strands and raisins served in the silver bowls.

    Ingredients

    Detail measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here’s the overview.

    Rice – Basmati or Sona Masoori rice works well so does any other short grain rice. Avoid using Jasmine or sticky rice. Wash and rinse it in cold water and drain excess water.

    Milk – this recipe uses coconut milk to thicken the kheer. Coconut milk gives excellent decadent feel along with marvelous flavor to this kheer. Almond milk also works.

    Desiccated coconut flakes or coconut powder– for an extra layering of texture , we use coconut powder. It gives ultra rich taste without heavy dose of calories like heavy cream. Trust us, you will love it.

    Sugar – to sweeten the kheer. You can use any sugar of your choice. White, brown, coconut, palm sugar. Any other sweetener like jaggery, maple syrup or agave nectar also work but will have different flavor.

    Saffron – this is how traditional kheer gets it’s golden and orange hue.

    Cardamom and nutmeg powder – ground cardamom seeds and nutmeg powder add intense and distinctive aroma to this kheer or Payasum.

    Raisins and crushed nuts like almonds, cashews or pistachios are added as garnish. You can keep it optional based on dietary preferences.

    Variations

    For flavors, add rose water

    Silver bowl and spoon containing Indian dessert of coconut rice kheer garnished with saffron and raisins.

    How to make Instant Pot Rice Kheer

    • Add all ingredients except half of the coconut milk in the instant pot. Give it a good stir so everything mixes well. Close the lid with vent in SEALING position.
    • Set instant pot to PORRIDGE mode for 20 minutes on high pressure. When instant pot beeps, let the pressure release naturally.
    • Open Instant Pot lid. Mash cooked rice with the back of a spoon. Add rest of the coconut milk and stir well.  Adjust sugar if needed.
    • Rice kheer/ Payasum is ready. Garnish with few saffron strands on top. Serve warm.
    • To get the desired consistency, additionally cook on SAUTE mode for 2-3 mins if needed. You can also keep it on KEEP WARM mode until ready to serve.

    How to make rice kheer on stove top

    • Add the milk in a heavy bottom pan and let it come to boil. Add rinsed and drained rice and nuts ( if using). Give it a good stir, reduce the heat to medium-high and let it cook. Stir intermittently.
    • Let it simmer till rice get cooked, about 10-15 minutes. Stir from the bottom of the pan a few times to ensure that it doesn’t burn.
    • Add sugar and coconut powder. Keep stirring till sugar dissolves. Add saffron and cardamom and nutmeg powder. Add nuts if using. Stir well. Turn off the heat when you get right thickness to your liking.
    • Mash the rice kheer using a potato masher or the back of a ladle to make the rice pudding creamy. Garnish with few saffron strands on top. Serve warm. Enjoy !

    Recipe Highlights

    There are so many families dealing with food allergies and restrictions. I was looking to make this dessert dairy free and vegan. It also is soy and nut free.

    It also is low calories but with rich creamy texture. You will enjoy it guilt free without sacrificing the taste.

    One more important thing I notice often with Indian desserts and party menu is that food sits outside for several hours. There always a risk with heavy milk and cream based foods that are not properly refrigerated. This recipe avoids that issue since coconut milk is used.

    Pro Tip

    Rice kheer thickens quite a bit as it cools. If it becomes too thick, add more milk and adjust the sugar accordingly.

    If you extensively use your Instant Pot for making savory foods like curries, you may want to change the seal ring before making dessert. Many times the sealing rings carry the strong flavors of garlic and garam masala for longer duration. You don’t want curry flavored rice kheer. I keep a separate ring when making dessert items.

    Useful tools to make this recipe

    • Colander / Strainer
    • Measuring Cups and Spoons
    • Soup Ladle
    • Instant Pot
    • Silicon Mitts

    Our Popular Indian Recipes

    • Instant Pot Dum Aloo
    • Black Eyed Peas and Coconut Curry
    • Punjabi Kadhi Pakora
    • Turmeric Cabbage Stir-fry
    • Masala Chai
    • Aloo Matar

    ♥ Follow us on PINTEREST and like our FACEBOOK page. We love creating delicious, plant based recipes from around the world. DO JOIN US ♥

    We would love to hear your feedback!! Use the PIN button in the recipe card or image below to pin this recipe !

    ★ If you make this Instant Pot Coconut Rice Kheer Recipe , do let us know how you like it by ★ star rating it and leaving a comment below.

    Rice Kheer – Indian Rice Pudding Recipe

    Prajakta Sukhatme
    Kheer is an Indian dessert made from rice, rich with spices such as cardamom and saffron. Learn how to make your own rich, delicious rice kheer at home.
    4.49 from 27 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 25 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Desserts
    Cuisine Indian
    Servings 6 cups
    Calories 281 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup White Rice
    • 1.5 cups water
    • 3 cups coconut milk divided into half for cooking and half for later
    • ½ cup shredded coconut or coconut powder
    • ½ cup Sugar adjust to taste
    • ½ teaspoon Cardamom powder
    • â…› teaspoon Saffron
    • â…› teaspoon nutmeg powder
    • 2 Tablespoons raisins optional
    • Pinch of salt

    Instructions
     

    How To Make Instant Pot Rice Kheer

    • Add all ingredients except half of the coconut milk in the instant pot. Give it a good stir so everything mixes well. Close the lid with vent in SEALING position.
    • Set instant pot to PORRIDGE mode for 20 minutes on high pressure. When instant pot beeps, let the pressure release naturally.
    • Open Instant Pot lid. Mash cooked rice with the back of a spoon. Add rest of the coconut milk and stir well.  Adjust sugar if needed.
    • Rice kheer/ Payasum is ready. Garnish with few saffron strands on top. Serve warm.
    • To get the desired consistency, additionally cook on SAUTE mode for 2-3 mins if needed. You can also keep it on KEEP WARM mode until ready to serve.

    How to make rice kheer on stove top

    • Add the milk and rinsed and drained rice to the large sauce pan and let it come to boil. Add nuts if using. Give it a good stir, reduce the heat to medium-high and let it cook. Stir intermittently.
    • Keep it cooking till rice get cooked, about 10-15 minutes. Stir from the bottom a few times to ensure that it doesn't burn at the bottom.
    • Add sugar and coconut powder. Keep stirring till sugar dissolves. Add saffron and cardamom and nutmeg powder. Stir well. Turn off the heat when you get right thickness to your liking.
    • Mash the rice using a potato masher or the back of a ladle to make the rice pudding creamy. Garnish with few saffron strands on top. Serve warm. Enjoy !

    Notes

    If you extensively use your Instant Pot for making savory foods like curries, you may want to change the seal ring before making dessert. Many times the sealing rings carry the strong flavors of garlic and garam masala for longer duration. You don’t want curry flavored rice kheer. I keep a separate ring when making dessert items.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cupCalories: 281kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 2gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 73mgFiber: 2gSugar: 20g
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @ProfusionCurry or tag #ProfusionCurry!

    More Easy Dessert Recipes

    • Peanut Butter Fudge with Condensed Milk
    • Almond Flour Peanut Butter Cookies
    • Air Fryer Bananas
    • Date Nuts Energy Balls

    Sharing is caring!

    1196 shares
    • Share
    • Yummly
    • WhatsApp

    Filed Under: Desserts, Gluten Free, Indian Food, Instant Pot, Vegan Recipes

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. ELAINE

      June 06, 2021 at 5:20 am

      Could you possibly let me have the method/recipe for stove top? It looks delicious but I don’t have an Instant Pot!

      Reply
    2. Tanya g

      December 25, 2020 at 9:29 pm

      It came out absolutely wonderfully! I have gotten away from animal products and never thought I would have this taste of kheer again. Thank you so much for posting!!
      I don’t add extra coconut milk at the end but I can see how others may want the porridge dinner

      Reply
    3. Sam

      February 14, 2020 at 12:55 pm

      This recipe came out perfectly and so much easier in the instant pot! The coconut is a nice touch to traditional kheer. I added only 1/4 cup sugar and didn’t add the extra 1.5 cups of coconut milk after cooking since the thickness was a nice consistency. You can’t even tell the recipe is vegan.

      Reply
      • admin

        February 14, 2020 at 2:47 pm

        Thank you for wonderful feedback. Glad you liked the recipe

        Reply
      • admin

        February 23, 2020 at 10:49 am

        So glad to hear this. Glad you liked the recipe

        Reply
    4. Henry

      November 06, 2019 at 8:00 am

      are you sure this is just 1 serving?
      I want to cook it for about 24 people as a dessert, so I’d love to know if the quantity is really just for 1 person?
      thanx

      Reply
      • admin

        November 06, 2019 at 8:05 am

        Henry, it’s not 1 serving. With the ingredients listed , it will serve 6-8 people 1/4 cup serving size. It’s pretty filling too

        Reply
        • Henry

          November 07, 2019 at 3:33 am

          Thanx!

          Reply
    5. Healthy food and Healthy we

      September 05, 2019 at 4:26 am

      Amazing 💚 Thanks for sharing

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    I am the recipe developer and photographer of this food recipe website! Along with my sisters and family , we welcome you to our Profusioncurry Kitchen.

    More about me →

    Healthy Winter Meals

    • Vegetarian Dumplings Soup
    • Homemade Broccoli Cheddar Soup – Instant Pot
    • Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas Spinach Stew
    • Vegetable Orzo Soup
    • Moroccan Lentil Stew – Instant Pot
    • Winter Warmer Soup Recipe

    Popular Recipes

    • Air Fryer Pasta Chips
    • Spinach Artichoke Dip Phyllo Cups
    • Pav Bhaji Quesadillas
    • Apple Cider Vinegar and Lemon Juice Drink
    • Christmas Potpourri
    • Mushroom Masala Recipe

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Our recipes are featured on several distinguished publisher. image

    Other

    • Privacy Policy

    Follow Us

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    About

    • About

    As an Amazon Associates, this site earns commission from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Profusion Curry