Rose Gulkand Phirni Recipe: A Sweet Delight of North India
Phirni is an incredibly rich, creamy, and silky smooth pudding that is a staple during festive occasions in North India. The Rose Gulkand Phirni is a unique variation, infused with the delicate fragrance of rose and the sweet, aromatic Gulkand (a rose petal preserve). This dessert combines ground rice, milk, sugar, and saffron strands, resulting in a deliciously indulgent treat. Perfect for a festive meal or as a special dessert to end any gathering, this dessert can be served chilled, making it a perfect treat for warm evenings.
Hereโs a step-by-step guide to making this traditional North Indian dessert. The Rose Gulkand Phirni will surely leave your guests impressed with its delightful flavor and texture!
Ingredients for Rose Gulkand Phirni
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Full-fat Milk | 2 liters |
| Rice | 1/2 cup (soaked in 1/4 cup water for 30 minutes) |
| Condensed Milk | 400 ml (1 can) |
| Dried Rose Petals | 4 tablespoons (soaked in 4 tablespoons warm milk) |
| Gulkand (Rose Petal Jam) | 2 tablespoons |
| Sugar | 2 tablespoons (optional, adjust to taste) |
| Rose Water | 1-2 teaspoons (or Rooh Afza) |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Fennel Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Pistachios | 12, chopped |
| Whole Almonds (Badam) | 12, chopped |
| Cashew Nuts | 12, chopped |
| Dried Rose Petals (for garnish) | A few, for garnishing |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Instructions to Make Rose Gulkand Phirni
-
Prepare the Rice Paste:
Begin by draining the soaked rice thoroughly. Next, grind the rice into a coarse paste using a blender or food processor. Add a small amount of water (about 1/4 cup) to the paste to help with the grinding process. Set the rice paste aside. -
Boil the Milk:
In a large saucepan, pour the 2 liters of full-fat milk and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once the milk starts to bubble, lower the flame to low. -
Cook the Rice Mixture:
Add the ground rice paste into the simmering milk, stirring continuously to avoid any lumps. Keep stirring frequently to ensure that the milk thickens into a porridge-like consistency, and the rice cooks completely. Itโs important to scrape the dried milk solids from the sides of the pan and incorporate them back into the milk, as this will add a rich creaminess to the phirni. -
Add Condensed Milk and Flavors:
Once the rice is cooked and the mixture has thickened to a pudding-like consistency, add the 400 ml of condensed milk. Stir well to combine. Next, incorporate the soaked dried rose petals, Gulkand, sugar (if using), rose water, cardamom powder, and fennel powder. Continue to cook the mixture for a few more minutes, stirring to blend the flavors evenly. -
Cool the Phirni:
Once all the ingredients are well combined and the phirni has reached a smooth, creamy texture, remove the pan from the heat. Allow the phirni to cool at room temperature for a while. For an extra touch of flavor and to help the dessert set properly, you can refrigerate the phirni for about 3-4 hours, or until it is completely chilled. -
Garnish and Serve:
Once the phirni has chilled, serve it in small bowls or individual dessert cups. Garnish generously with chopped pistachios, almonds, cashew nuts, and a few dried rose petals to enhance the visual appeal and add extra texture. -
Serving Suggestions:
This Rose Gulkand Phirni makes an exquisite dessert after a hearty meal. Serve it alongside dishes like Aloo Gobi Ki Sabzi, Ajwain Puri, and Boondi Raita for a traditional and delicious Indian meal. Itโs perfect for festive occasions, family gatherings, or a special weekend brunch.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Cholesterol | 25 mg |
| Sodium | 90 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 20 g |
| Vitamin A | 6% DV |
| Vitamin C | 2% DV |
| Calcium | 18% DV |
| Iron | 4% DV |
Tips and Variations
- Consistency: If you prefer a thicker phirni, you can cook it a little longer. Just keep stirring, and it will thicken to your desired consistency.
- Sweetness Level: You can adjust the sweetness of this dessert by increasing or decreasing the amount of sugar and Gulkand. Gulkand itself is quite sweet, so you might want to reduce the sugar.
- Gulkand Substitute: If you donโt have access to Gulkand, you can make a similar version by using rose syrup or homemade rose petal jam.
- Flavor Twist: For a unique twist, try adding a few saffron strands along with the rose water for an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful golden color.
- Nuts: Feel free to experiment with different nuts like cashews, almonds, and pistachios. You can also add raisins or dried fruits as additional toppings.
Why Youโll Love This Rose Gulkand Phirni
This Rose Gulkand Phirni is not just a treat for the taste buds but also for the senses. The fragrance of the rose petals combined with the richness of condensed milk and ground rice creates a dessert that is decadent yet soothing. The crunch of pistachios, almonds, and cashews adds texture to the creamy pudding, while the subtle hint of rose water elevates the overall experience.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, hosting a dinner party, or simply indulging in a sweet craving, this dessert is sure to impress. Itโs a perfect way to end a delicious meal on a sweet note, and the cooling sensation makes it especially refreshing during warmer months.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair your Rose Gulkand Phirni with a variety of North Indian dishes such as:
- Aloo Gobi Ki Sabzi (Potato and Cauliflower Curry)
- Ajwain Puri (Carom Seed Puffed Bread)
- Boondi Raita (Yogurt-based Dip with Fried Gram Flour Balls)
- Vegetable Biryani (Fragrant Spiced Rice with Vegetables)
This dessert is the ideal way to end a meal on a high note, leaving everyone feeling satisfied and pampered!
Enjoy the rich, creamy indulgence of Rose Gulkand Phirni and make every festive occasion memorable with this delightful North Indian dessert!
