Imagine a dessert so silky smooth and enchantingly fragrant that it transports you straight to the royal kitchens of India with just one spoonful. Phirni, the luxurious rice pudding that has been delighting taste buds for centuries, is not just a dessert—it's a culinary experience that combines rich, creamy milk, delicately cooked rice, and the subtle perfume of cardamom and rose water. Whether you're a dessert enthusiast or a curious food lover, this traditional Indian sweet will captivate your senses and leave you craving more!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup basmati rice
- 4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
- 2 tbsp chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios)
- 1 tbsp rose water
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps to remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky. Soak the rinsed rice in water for about 30 minutes to soften it.
- After soaking, drain the rice and set it aside. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, bring the 4 cups of milk to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent it from scorching.
- Once the milk reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and add the soaked and drained rice to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.
- Cook the rice in the milk on low heat for about 20-25 minutes, stirring frequently. This will help the rice to cook evenly and absorb the milk, creating a creamy texture.
- After the rice has cooked and the mixture has thickened, add the 1/2 cup of sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of cardamom powder. Stir well to ensure that the sugar dissolves completely.
- Continue to cook the mixture for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If the phirni is too thick, you can add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Once cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the 1 tablespoon of rose water, mixing well to incorporate the fragrance.
- Allow the phirni to cool slightly before serving. You can serve it warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
- To serve, ladle the phirni into small bowls or dessert cups. Garnish with the chopped nuts (almonds and pistachios) on top for added texture and flavor.
- Enjoy your delicious homemade phirni as a delightful Indian dessert!
Tips
- • Use basmati rice for the most authentic flavor and texture • Rinse and soak rice beforehand to ensure a creamy consistency • Stir frequently while cooking to prevent milk from scorching • Use a heavy-bottomed pan to distribute heat evenly • Control the heat to maintain a gentle simmer • Adjust milk quantity for desired thickness • Add rose water at the end to preserve its delicate aroma • Garnish with freshly chopped nuts for added crunch • Can be served warm or chilled based on preference • Refrigerate for a few hours for a more set, pudding-like texture
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
