
Orange Vanilla Rice Kheer (Rice Pudding) — dress up your usual rice kheer for a festive Rakhi dessert with this delicious twist! With a rich, creamy vanilla rice kheer base and a fresh vibrant orange jelly, this is an aromatic and colorful treat to share this Rakhi!
Heat the milk in a heavy-bottomed pan on low flame. Keep stirring the milk continuously for 4-5 mins until it comes to a boil.
Then drain your soaked rice and add it to the milk. If you are using long-grain or basmati rice, just crush the rice with your hands before adding it to the milk. Cook for 10-15 minutes till the rice is done and the milk starts to thicken.
Then add in the condensed milk, vanilla essence and orange zest. Adjust the sweetness with condensed milk according to your taste. I kept the sugar on low side as I like the tartness of the oranges.
Boil the milk for 4-5 minutes and then switch off the gas.
While the kheer is cooling down , let’s make the orange jelly. In a small saucepan, mix together orange juice, orange essence, salt, and sugar. Then add-in your cornstarch slurry and cook on medium heat. Whisk for a few minutes until thickened and you see big bubbles forming, and then take off the heat. Make sure that it doesn’t get too thick, it should be pancake batter consistency. As it cools down, it will get thicker. If lumps form, you can strain it for a smoother consistency.
In small serving glass or bowl, add in the cooled kheer. Then pour the orange jelly in a thin layer on top. Garnish with fresh oranges, strawberries (or any fruit of your choice), edible flower, edible gold foil, and mint. Let this chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving. Enjoy!