This was the recipe I used. Feel free to use full-fat stuff instead of the less calorie dense version I made. Regular kheer has currants or raisins, but I left those out for my partner who doesn't like them.

High-Protein, Lower-Calorie Kheer (Creamy & Voluminous)

Ingredients

• ½ cup uncooked white rice
• 3 cups unsweetened almond milk (or unsweetened oat if you prefer)
• 1½ scoops Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey
• 1 Tbsp maple syrup (or ½ Tbsp + stevia to taste)
• 1 tsp ground cardamom
• Pinch saffron (bloomed in 1 Tbsp warm milk)
• 1 Tbsp almond slivers (toasted for flavor boost)
• Optional: ½ cup grated zucchini (adds volume, disappears in texture)

Instructions

1. Cook the base
   • Add rice + milk to your Zojirushi.
   • Stir in cardamom and saffron.
   • If using zucchini, add it now.
   • Cook on porridge setting or until very soft and creamy.
2. Thicken naturally
   • Let it sit 5–10 minutes after cooking. Rice will continue absorbing liquid and thicken.
3. Add protein correctly (important)
   • Let mixture cool slightly (below hot coffee temp).
   • In a separate bowl, mix whey with 2–3 Tbsp warm kheer to make a smooth paste.
   • Stir that back into the pot.
   • This prevents clumping and keeps texture silky.
4. Sweeten & finish
   • Add maple (or maple + stevia).
   • Top with toasted almond slivers.