Oats Kheer Sweetened Oatmeal With Cardamom Nuts Raisins

Oats Kheer is a healthier version of the traditional rice kheer but with the same rich and creamy taste. I have cooked this scrumptious dessert using Quaker rolled oats, but you can use other store-bought brands, too. You can serve this oats payasam warm or chilled. It makes up for a wholesome breakfast or a perfect dessert after dinner. I will share the steps to make these oats garnished with cardamom, saffron, nuts, and raisins in the instant pot and stovetop. Other than the popular combination of rice and milk for kheer, you can also make Sabudhana Kheer, Vermicelli Kheer, or Sheer Khurma. These variations of the traditional kheer are just as delicious! I usually try to include oats in our everyday breakfast as they are more nutritious yet easy to make. If you like adding fruits and nuts to oatmeal, do try my chocolate overnight oats, instant pot oatmeal and banana chocolate chip overnight oats that my kids love. And if you like savory oats, try these masala oats.

Watch How to Make Oats Kheer

What is Kheer?

A quintessential Indian dessert, Kheer is a go-to dish in the Indian subcontinent for almost all occasions and festivals. It is basically rice pudding cooked with milk and rice, infused with the flavors of saffron and cardamom, and topped with nuts like cashews or pistachios. Growing up, Kheer was a staple dessert dish in my home. My mother used to make it for every festival, occasion, or when we wanted something sweet.

Why use Oats to make Kheer?

Oats are healthier than rice and have many benefits when compared to traditional rice kheer. (Source)

They are gluten-free whole grains. Oats are filled with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They are a good source of carbohydrates and fiber. They can help in weight loss and in controlling blood sugar levels. Oats also have a low glycemic index.

When cooked, oats turn quite mushy and give a thick, creamy texture. I have used rolled oats to make this dish, but you can also use steel-cut oats.

Ingredients

Rolled Oats: Rolled oats cook quickly and turn soft. They work best for a smooth and creamy texture. Steel-cut oats will work well, too; just cook them for longer. Saffron: A tiny pinch adds a pleasant aroma and gives the kheer a lovely golden color. Milk: Full-fat milk makes it rich and creamy. You can also use plant-based milk, such as almonds or oats. Cardamom Powder: Adds a sweet, warm flavor and a pleasant aroma. Sugar: Adds sweetness to the kheer. You can adjust the amount based on your taste. Garnish: You’ll need pistachios, almonds, and raisins.

How to make Oats Kheer?

Oats kheer can be made within 20-25 minutes as opposed to the longer cooking time for the traditional rice kheer. The initial prep work of this oats kheer is keeping ingredients ready along with chopped dry fruits of your choice.

Heat a heavy bottom pan and add ghee. Stir the rolled oats and sauté them well till you get a faint aroma.

Add whole milk to the mixture and stir thoroughly.

Simmer on a low flame and cook till the oats become soft and mushy. Once the oats and milk have reached the desired consistency, add the chopped dried nuts, a pinch of saffron, and cardamom.

Simmer for a few more seconds, and then switch off the stovetop.

How to make Instant Pot Oats Kheer?

Usually, cooking Kheer involves constant stirring of the milk and rice. But when cooking the oats kheer in the instant pot, all you need to do is dump-and-go and enjoy a break. Ensure that you roast the oats well before adding all the other ingredients. Also, sanitize the Instant Pot thoroughly before getting started on the oats kheer.

Set the Instant Pot to the Sauté setting and add ghee. Once melted, add rolled oats to the instant pot. Stir and sauté them well till you get the aroma of roasted oats. Add the remaining ingredients – milk, water, saffron, and cardamom.

Close the lid securely and cook for a minute in high pressure. Let the pressure release naturally. Garnish the kheer with nuts and raisins and serve it warm or chilled.

How long to cook rolled oats in the instant pot?

Rolled oats cook very quickly under pressure. I like to just cook them on high pressure for 1 minute, and they are the perfect consistency.

Can this Kheer be made with steel-cut oats in the instant pot?

Yes! You can follow the same process and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release. Do try this delicious and healthy recipe and let me know in the comments below!