How long can I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, both the kheer and compote can be made a day in advance and assembled just before serving.

Can I use a milk substitute for kheer?

Yes, coconut milk can be used for a dairy-free version, but it will slightly alter the flavor.

How can I thicken the compote if needed?

Simmer longer to evaporate liquid, or add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water.

Can I replace almonds with other nuts?

Certainly, walnuts or cashews make excellent substitutions.

Fragrant Pakistani Cardamom Kheer with Fig Compote

Name: Fragrant Pakistani Cardamom Kheer with Fig Compote
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients: 1/2 cup basmati rice; 1 liter whole milk; 1/2 cup sugar; 6-8 green cardamom pods; Pinch of saffron threads; 1/4 cup chopped almonds; 2 tbsp pistachios; 1 cup dried figs; 1/3 cup water; 2 tbsp honey; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Rich and Creamy Rice Pudding with a Sweet Fig Twist

Enjoy a classic South Asian dessert with a delightful modern twist—aromatic Kheer paired with a luscious fig compote.

1 h 30 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Kheer

1/2 cup basmati rice

rinsed and soaked for 30 min

1 liter whole milk

1/2 cup sugar

6-8 green cardamom pods

slightly crushed

Pinch of saffron threads

soaked in 1 tbsp warm milk

1/4 cup chopped almonds

2 tbsp pistachios

chopped

For the Fig Compote

1 cup dried figs

chopped

1/3 cup water

2 tbsp honey

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Preparation

Preparing the Kheer

Prep Rice

Drain the soaked rice and set aside.

Cook Rice and Milk

In a large heavy-bottomed pan, bring the milk to a boil. Lower the heat and add the rice and cardamom pods.

Gently crush cardamom pods right before adding for maximum flavor.

Reduce Milk

Cook, stirring frequently, until the milk reduces to about half and the rice is very soft — approximately 30-40 minutes.

Stir frequently to prevent sticking and burning.

Preparing the Fig Compote

Combine Figs and Water

Combine figs and water in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat.

Cook with Honey

Add honey and cook until figs are tender and mixture thickens, about 10 minutes.

Add Vanilla

Stir in vanilla extract and remove from heat.

Cooking Process

Reducing the Milk

Stir constantly to prevent the milk from scorching at the bottom.

Making the Compote

Ensure figs are plump and the sauce is syrupy but not too thick.

Final Touches

Add sugar, saffron milk, and nuts to the kheer, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

Plating & Serving