Rose Gulkand Phirni Recipe (Roz Gulkand Firni)
A Sweet and Floral Delight
Rose Gulkand Phirni is a classic North Indian dessert, known for its creamy texture and fragrant, delicate flavor. The phirni is traditionally made with rice, milk, and sugar, infused with the rich essence of rose petals and the unique sweetness of gulkand, which elevates this dish to a luxurious level. Perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress guests with something a little different yet deeply comforting.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Full-fat Milk | 2 liters |
| Rice (soaked in 1/4 cup water for 30 minutes) | 1/2 cup |
| Condensed Milk (1 can) | 400 ml |
| Dried Rose Petals (soaked in 4 tablespoons warm milk) | 4 tablespoons |
| Gulkand | 2 tablespoons |
| Sugar (optional, depending on desired sweetness) | 2 tablespoons |
| Rose Water or Rooh Afza | 2 tablespoons |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Fennel Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Rose Water (additional) | 1 teaspoon |
| Pistachios (chopped) | 12 |
| Almonds (Badam, chopped) | 12 |
| Cashew Nuts (chopped) | 12 |
| Dried Rose Petals (for garnish) | A few |
Preparation Time:
10 minutes
Cooking Time:
60 minutes
Total Time:
70 minutes
Servings:
4 servings
Cuisine:
North Indian
Course:
Dessert
Diet:
Vegetarian
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Rice Paste:
Begin by draining the soaked rice completely. Using a blender or mixer, grind the rice to a coarse paste. Once ground, dilute the paste with 1/4 cup of water to make it more manageable. Set this aside. -
Boil the Milk:
In a large saucepan, pour the full-fat milk and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat. As soon as the milk starts to boil, reduce the heat to low. -
Cook the Rice Paste:
Add the ground rice paste to the boiling milk. Stir continuously to ensure that the rice paste does not stick to the bottom. Cook on a low or medium flame, and keep stirring as the mixture thickens into a creamy, porridge-like consistency. The rice will cook fully during this time, and you should scrape any dried milk solids that collect on the sides of the pan to incorporate them back into the mixture, adding richness and texture. -
Add the Sweeteners and Flavors:
Once the rice is completely cooked and the milk has thickened, add the condensed milk to the pot. Stir well to blend the condensed milk into the phirni. Now, add the soaked dried rose petals, gulkand, and sugar (if using). Continue to cook for a few more minutes, allowing the ingredients to mix thoroughly. -
Infuse with Rose and Spices:
Stir in the rose water or Rooh Afza, cardamom powder, and fennel powder. These aromatic ingredients will give the phirni its signature floral and spicy notes. Let everything simmer together until fully combined. -
Cool the Phirni:
Once the phirni has reached the perfect consistency and the flavors have melded, turn off the heat. Allow the phirni to cool down to room temperature. After it cools, transfer it to the refrigerator and let it chill for 3-4 hours. This chilling step helps the phirni thicken further and allows the flavors to develop fully. -
Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, garnish the Rose Gulkand Phirni with chopped pistachios, almonds, cashew nuts, and a few dried rose petals for an added touch of elegance and flavor. This will give a delightful crunch and a visual appeal that complements the creamy texture.
Serving Suggestions:
This Rose Gulkand Phirni is best served chilled, making it an ideal dessert for warm days or after a flavorful Indian meal. Pair it with a hearty, spiced meal like Aloo Gobi Ki Sabzi, Ajwain Puri, and Boondi Raita for a complete North Indian brunch or dinner spread.
Tips for a Perfect Rose Gulkand Phirni:
- Rice Texture: Ensure that the rice is ground to a coarse paste, not too fine. The texture of the rice should still be slightly noticeable, adding to the rustic charm of phirni.
- Adjusting Sweetness: Gulkand already has a natural sweetness, so adjust the sugar based on your preference. Some people prefer their phirni on the sweeter side, while others may skip the sugar entirely.
- Flavor Variations: For a twist, you can add a pinch of saffron along with the cardamom and fennel powder for an even more luxurious flavor.
- Storage: The phirni keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days, making it a great make-ahead dessert for parties or celebrations.
Why You’ll Love Rose Gulkand Phirni:
This dessert strikes the perfect balance between sweetness, floral notes, and creaminess. The rose petals, combined with the rich gulkand, bring an indulgent yet refreshing flavor to the classic phirni. The crunch from the nuts adds texture, making every bite a delightful experience. It’s not just a dessert; it’s an aromatic treat for your senses. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, Rose Gulkand Phirni will transport you to the vibrant and aromatic streets of India with every spoonful.
