Padma Lakshmi’s Rice Pudding

Prep: 5 mins

Cook: 40 mins

Difficulty: Easy

Servings: 4 Servings

here’s no denying that rice pudding is at the top of the list when it comes to comforting desserts. This classic Indian version, called kheer, is spiced with cardamom and flecked with golden raisins and pistachios, and is sure to become a new favorite. This recipe comes courtesy of Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi; it’s one of her favorite things to make for Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights.

Ingredients

1 cup short-grain Indian or Italian (Arborio) rice
1 1/2 cups water
3 cups whole milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup golden raisins
1/4 cup raw cashews or pistachios, finely chopped
Seeds from 4 green cardamom pods
Ground cinnamon, to taste

Instructions

Place the rice and water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes. Add the milk, sugar, raisins, cashews or pistachios, cardamom seeds, and cinnamon and simmer, stirring often, until the rice is tender and the mixture is creamy, 30 to 35 minutes more. Serve warm or chilled.