Payesh / Rice Kheer (Bengali Rice Pudding)

Mar 06, 2026
Recipe
Payesh / Rice Kheer (Bengali Rice Pudding)

Serves: 4–5 | Time: 45–60 min

Ingredients

  • ½ cup Gobindobhog rice (soaked 15–20 min)
  • 1 litre full-fat milk
  • ½ cup sugar (adjust)
  • 4–5 green cardamoms, crushed
  • 2 tbsp chopped almonds & pistachios
  • 1 tbsp ghee (optional)
  • A few saffron strands (optional)

Method

  • Drain soaked rice. Bring milk to a gentle boil in a heavy-bottomed pan.
  • Add rice, reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally so milk doesn’t stick. Cook until rice is soft and milk thickens (30–40 min).
  • Add sugar, cardamom and saffron; simmer 5 more minutes. Stir in nuts and ghee; remove from heat. Serve warm or chilled.

Tip: Gobindobhog’s small grains break down a little and lend natural creaminess — stir occasionally (not continuously) to let it thicken without becoming pasty.