No. 1 Indian Dessert Kheer Recipe | Rice Pudding

Best Indian Dessert Kheer | Types of Kheer | Fasting Food in Navratri 2025 | Fasting Food in Ekadashi 2025 | Fasting Food in Shivratri 2025 | Fasting Food in Janmashtami | Fasting Food for Karva Chauth 2025

Discover the most favorite sweet Indian dessert kheer that is made with full fat milk, sweetener, rice & cardamoms. It is comforting and simple recipe because it is slow-cooked.

Apart from rice, kheer can be made tota basmati rice in milk along with cardamom, saffron, and nuts, resulting in a creamy, aromatic, and indulgent pudding often enjoyed during festivals and celebrations.

It is believed that kheer is originated initially in South Indian dessert kheer used to offer in the temples dating back in the 14^th Century.

Over time, kheer has remained a popular dessert across India. Kerala’s ‘payasam’ and West Bengal’s ‘kheer’ are particularly renowned, each with its unique flavors and preparation methods.

It is more than simply an Indian dessert Kheer; it is a staple of festivities and social gatherings. The creamy texture and soothing taste of many varieties of Indian dessert kheer usually steal the stage, whether it’s a celebratory event, a family get-together, or just a simple need for something sweet.

Types of Indian Dessert Kheer | Sweet Indian Dessert 

1. Rice Kheer
2. Sabudana Kheer
3. Vermicelli Kheer
4. Carrot Kheer
5. Gur Kheer
6. Paal Payasam (South Indian Special Kheer)
7. Mango Kheer (Favorite Summer Kheer)
8. Apple and Walnut or dry fruit Kheer
9. Almond- Saffron Kheer
10. Bengali Payesh

In Hindu fasting (vrat/upvas), different kheer varieties are allowed based on the fasting rules of each occasion. Here’s a breakdown of which kheer can be eaten during specific fasts:

Kheer Allowed in Most Hindu Fasting

These kheers follow the general fasting rules and can be eaten during Navratri, Ekadashi, Shivratri, Janmashtami, Karva Chauth, and other vrat days:

• Sabudana Kheer – Suitable for Navratri, Ekadashi, Shivratri, Janmashtami, Karva Chauth.

• Makhana Kheer – Perfect for all fasting days like Navratri, Ekadashi, Pradosh Vrat, and Monday Fasts for Lord Shiva.
• Samak Rice Kheer – Best for Navratri and Ekadashi, as samak is considered a grain substitute.
• Lauki Kheer – Can be eaten during Navratri, Monday Fasts, Pradosh Vrat, and other general fasts.
• Rajgira Kheer – Suitable for Ekadashi, Navratri, and Janmashtami fasting.

• Badam Kheer – Allowed in Karva Chauth, Shivratri, and Monday fasting.
• Pumpkin Kheer – Can be consumed during Navratri and Monday fasting.
• Apple/Dry Fruit Kheer – Suitable for Karva Chauth, Monday Fasts, and general vrats.
• Mango Kheer – Allowed in Shravan Somvar, Pradosh Vrat, and mild fasting days.
• Jaggery (Gur) Kheer – Can be taken during Karva Chauth, Pradosh Vrat, and Ekadashi.

Rice Kheer

The quintessential Indian dessert, made with rice, milk, and sugar, simmered to a creamy consistency. Cardamom and nuts often elevate its taste.

Sabudana Kheer

Popular during fasting, this kheer uses tapioca pearls (sabudana). It’s light, mildly sweet, and infused with cardamom, making it a comforting treat. Made with tapioca pearls, which is a common fasting ingredient, this can be consumed in fasting

Vermicelli Kheer

Also known as “Semiya Kheer,” it is made using roasted vermicelli, milk, and sugar. It’s quick to prepare and often garnished with nuts and raisins.

Carrot Kheer

A healthy twist, this variation blends grated carrots with milk, sugar, and a hint of cardamom. Its vibrant color and subtle sweetness make it a favorite.

Gur Kheer

Sweetened with jaggery instead of sugar, this version offers a rich, earthy flavor. Often made with rice or millet, it is a healthier option.

Paal Payasam (South Indian Special Kheer)

A cherished delicacy from South India, made with rice, milk, and sugar, cooked slowly for a luscious, creamy texture, and often garnished with cashews.

Mango Kheer (Favorite Summer Kheer)

A refreshing summer dessert where ripe mango pulp is mixed into chilled kheer. The tropical flavor makes it a seasonal delight.

Apple and Walnut/Dry Fruit Kheer

A modern variation featuring grated apples and crunchy walnuts, or a medley of dry fruits, adding a delightful texture and flavor.

Almond-Saffron Kheer

Packed with richness, this kheer is infused with almond paste, saffron strands, and cardamom, exuding a luxurious aroma and flavor.

Bengali Payesh | Gobindobhog Prasad 

A Bengali specialty, this dish uses gobindobhog rice and is sweetened with date palm jaggery, giving it a distinctive taste.

Additional Types of Kheer:

Makhana Kheer: Made with puffed lotus seeds (makhana), this is a wholesome, creamy dessert often consumed during fasting.

Moong Dal Kheer: A unique variety prepared using split yellow lentils (moong dal), milk, and jaggery, offering a nutty and wholesome flavor.

Coconut Kheer: Particularly popular in southern India, this version uses coconut milk and grated coconut, lending it a tropical essence.

Kaddu (Pumpkin) Kheer: An innovative preparation using grated pumpkin, cooked with milk and flavored with spices.

This blog is for the most favorite sweet Indian dessert kheer which is loved by all ages. Kheer, a traditional Indian milk-based dessert, offers several health benefits, including improved gut health, a cooling effect, and is a good source of energy, calcium, and other nutrients.

However, kheer is commonly consumed during holy fasts such as Navratri, Ekadashi, Pradosh Vrat, and Monday fasts dedicated to Lord Shiva. Making kheer at home is generally preferred over buying it from the market. If you are someone who cares about your health and family, try to prepare most of your meals at home. Additionally, consider taking the right culinary course to help you achieve restaurant-quality taste without compromising the nutritional benefits of your food. At NFCI, we ensure that you learn the best cooking techniques and even kickstart your career in the culinary field! Don’t wait—it’s time to make your eating habits healthier and tastier.