By Rajan Bhattacharya
September 17, 2024
Phirni is a rich and creamy pudding made with basmati rice, milk, and nuts, infused with cardamom or saffron. It's a traditional Indian dessert perfect for celebrations and easily prepared at home with simple ingredients.
¼ cup basmati rice 1 litre whole milk ½ cup sugar 6-7 cardamom pods (crushed) 12-15 saffron strands 10-12 almonds (blanched and sliced) 10-12 pistachios (blanched and sliced)
Rinse ¼ cup basmati rice and spread to dry completely on a tray.
Grind the dried rice until coarse, resembling semolina in texture. Heat 1 litre of milk in a pan and bring it to a boil.
Add ground rice to the boiling milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Stir in ½ cup sugar and continue cooking until the mixture thickens.
Mix in saffron milk, cardamom powder, and sliced nuts. Cook for 5 more minutes until creamy.
Add 2 tsp of rose water or pandanus water (kewra) for extra flavour. Pour the Phirni into serving bowls and sprinkle sliced almonds and pistachios on top.
Cover the bowls with lids or aluminium foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Serve the Phirni chilled, garnished with extra nuts or rose petals for a beautiful finish.