Dessert: India – North India – फिरनी ➤ Phirni (Chilled ground-rice pudding with cardamom and rose)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 10 min

Cook 35 min

Additional 3 hrs

Total 3 hrs 45 min

Ingredients

- 4 cups (960 ml) whole milk
- 1/3 cup (60 g) basmati rice, rinsed and soaked 30 minutes
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) ground green cardamom
- 1/8 tsp (0.5 g) salt
- a few (6–8) saffron strands (about 10 mg)
- 1 tsp (5 ml) rose water
- 2 tbsp (16 g) pistachios, chopped, plus extra for garnish
- 1 tbsp (8 g) slivered almonds (optional)
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) heavy cream or evaporated milk (optional, for extra richness)

Instructions

1. Drain the soaked rice and transfer to a blender. Add 2–3 tbsp (30–45 ml) of the milk and grind to a very fine, slightly grainy paste (not completely smooth); set aside.
2. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, bring the remaining milk to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
3. Reduce heat to low. Gradually whisk in the ground-rice paste so it disperses without lumps. Cook gently, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and the raw rice flavor is gone, about 20–25 minutes.
4. Stir in the sugar, ground cardamom, saffron strands (lightly crushed between your fingers), and salt. Continue to cook on low, stirring, until the sugar is fully dissolved and the phirni reaches a thick, pourable custard consistency, about 5–7 minutes more.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the rose water and heavy cream or evaporated milk if using. Fold in 1 tbsp (8 g) chopped pistachios and the slivered almonds, reserving extras for garnish. Taste and adjust rose water or cardamom by small increments if needed.
6. Pour the phirni into four shallow serving bowls or ramekins (traditional matkas if available). Allow to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate until well chilled and slightly set, at least 3 hours.
7. Just before serving, sprinkle with remaining chopped pistachios and slivered almonds and optionally a few edible rose petals. Serve chilled.