Kheer

Kheer or payasam is an ancient Indian dessert, a creamy rice pudding that is made in several versions across the country. It is a common dish at numerous Indian ceremonies, festivals, and celebrations, although it can be consumed any time of year. Kheer is made by boiling rice, wheat, or tapioca with milk and sugar, and it can be additionally flavored with dried fruits, nuts, cardamom, and saffron. It is believed that the dessert originated 2000 years ago in the Lord Jagannath Temple in Orissa. Originally, it was prepared as an offering to the gods, a practice that spread to other Hindi temples where the recipe was slightly changed. Today, it is said that a wedding is not fully blessed if kheer is not served at the wedding celebration, and the tradition is still being practiced by the newlyweds.