Phirni
2 hours 30 minutes - 3 hours 30 minutes
Indian/Indian Fusion
Serves: 4-6
This slow cooked, thick rice pudding comes to you from the lofty Himalayan ranges in Kashmir, India, also known as “Paradise on Earth”. Enjoy this chilled dessert, a North Indian festival special, that combines the richness of creamy milk, saffron, Royal® Basmati Rice and crunchy nuts.
Ingredients
1/4 cup Royal® Basmati Rice
4 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
A pinch of saffron strands
2 tablespoons chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios, cashews)
1 tablespoon rose water
Slivered almonds and pistachios for garnish
Preparation
- Wash Royal® Basmati Rice thoroughly under running water.
- Allow the rice to soak in an ample amount of water for approximately 30 minutes.
- After soaking, drain the water and grind the rice into a coarse paste using a blender or food processor. Set it aside.
- In a small bowl, add a tablespoon of warm milk and soak the saffron strands. Set aside for at least 10 minutes to infuse the milk with saffron flavor.
- In a heavy-bottomed pan, bring the remaining milk to a boil over medium heat.
- Once the milk comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and add the ground rice paste to it, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- Simmer the mixture over low heat, stirring regularly, until it reaches a creamy consistency. This may take around 15-20 minutes.
- Add sugar, cardamom powder, chopped nuts and soaked saffron milk to the thickened mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Cook for another 5-10 minutes until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture thickens further.
- Remove the pan from heat and stir in the rose water. Mix well.
- Allow the phirni to cool down to room temperature.
- Once cooled, pour the phirni into individual serving bowls or a single large serving bowl.
- Cover the bowls with plastic wrap or lids and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours until the phirni sets and chills completely.
- Before serving, garnish the chilled phirni with slivered almonds and pistachios.
- Serve cold as a delightful dessert.
- Enjoy your creamy and delicious Phirni!
