**Ingredients:**

- 1/2 cup basmati rice

- 1 liter (4 cups) full-fat milk

- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)

- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder

- A pinch of saffron strands (optional)

- 10-12 almonds, sliced

- 10-12 pistachios, sliced

- 1 tablespoon raisins (optional)

- 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)

- Silvered almonds and pistachios for garnish

**Instructions:**

1. **Wash and Soak Rice:** Rinse the basmati rice under running water until the water runs clear. Then, soak the rice in enough water for 30 minutes. Drain the water before using.

2. **Prepare Milk Mixture:** In a heavy-bottomed pan or a large saucepan, bring the milk to a boil over medium heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and forming a skin on top.

3. **Cook Rice:** Add the drained rice to the simmering milk. Cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the rice is soft and the milk has reduced to about half its original quantity. This process can take about 30-40 minutes. The kheer will thicken as it cools, so keep that in mind when deciding when to stop cooking.

4. **Add Sugar and Flavorings:** Once the rice is cooked and the mixture has thickened, add sugar and mix well until the sugar dissolves completely. Add cardamom powder and saffron strands (if using), and stir to combine. 

5. **Fry Nuts and Raisins:** In a small pan, heat ghee over medium heat. Add almonds, pistachios, and raisins (if using) and fry until they turn light golden brown. Add these fried nuts and raisins to the kheer mixture, reserving some for garnish.

6. **Cool and Serve:** Remove the kheer from heat and let it cool down to room temperature. You can serve it warm or chilled, according to your preference. Garnish with silvered almonds, pistachios, and saffron strands before serving.

7. **Serve:** Enjoy the delicious homemade kheer as a dessert or sweet dish after a meal. Refrigerate any leftovers and consume within a couple of days.

This recipe yields a creamy, flavorful kheer that's sure to be a hit with family and friends. Adjust the sweetness and thickness to your liking by varying the amount of sugar and milk reduction during cooking.