Can kheer be stored for the next day without it thickening too much? Discover the secret to reheating this milk-based dessert for a perfect consistency.
1 Answer
Yes, kheer can be stored for the next day. To prevent excessive thickening, ensure it's cooled completely before refrigeration and add a little milk when reheating.
Detailed Explanation:
Kheer, being a rice pudding, tends to thicken upon cooling due to the starch in the rice absorbing more liquid. To minimize this:
Cool Completely: Allow the kheer to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This prevents condensation inside the container, which can affect the texture.
Proper Storage: Store the kheer in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps prevent it from absorbing odors from other foods and also slows down the thickening process.
Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of milk (dairy or non-dairy) to loosen the consistency. Gently heat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Pro Tip:
Avoid overcooking the kheer initially. If you cook it for too long, more starch will be released from the rice, leading to a thicker consistency upon cooling. Aim for a slightly thinner consistency than your desired final result when you take it off the heat.