Phirni is a wonderful, creamy dessert made with ground rice combined with milk, cream, sugar and some saffron strands for flavouring. This superb dessert also tastes great when flavoured with saffron (kesar) or rose essence. The key to a good phirni is to grind the rice well. The phirni is a common preparation in most punjabi households and is traditionally served in earthenware bowls called shikoras. These are popularly known as matki phirnis and are served at most punjabi restaurants and functions.