Creamy Phirni Recipe – North Indian Rice Pudding
Phirni is a delightful, creamy dessert that is an integral part of North Indian and Pakistani cuisines. Known for its smooth texture and rich flavor, Phirni is made from rice, milk, and a handful of aromatic spices, making it an indulgent treat that pleases the palate. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for festive occasions, family gatherings, or when you crave something sweet after a meal.
With its versatile nature, phirni can be prepared using both traditional ingredients and some exotic add-ins, making it customizable to your taste. The addition of cardamom and almonds imparts a fragrance that heightens the dessertβs appeal. Whether served in individual earthen pots or a large bowl, itβs a showstopper that will definitely win hearts.
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Dessert
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Full Cream Milk | 250 grams |
| Rice (soaked for 3 hours) | 1/2 cup |
| Green Cardamom Pods/Seeds | 2, crushed |
| Sugar | 1 cup (adjustable to taste) |
| Whole Almonds (Badam) | 2 tablespoons, thinly sliced |
Preparation Time: 0 minutes
Cooking Time: 90 minutes
Total Time: 90 minutes
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Rice:
Begin by draining the soaked rice thoroughly. Add the rice to a mixer grinder and grind it coarsely. Be careful not to make it into a paste; it should resemble fine grains. You may add a little water or milk to help with the grinding process. -
Boil the Milk:
In a heavy-bottomed pan, bring the full cream milk to a boil over medium heat. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent the milk from burning. -
Add the Cardamom and Sugar:
Once the milk begins to boil, add the crushed green cardamom pods for that signature aromatic flavor. Stir in the sugar, adjusting the quantity to your desired level of sweetness. -
Cook the Rice:
Add the coarsely ground rice to the boiling milk mixture. Stir continuously to ensure that the rice doesnβt stick to the bottom of the pan. Let it cook for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked, and the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency. -
Cool the Phirni:
Once the phirni has thickened, turn off the heat and allow the dessert to cool. This step is crucial as the phirni needs to set into a smooth, creamy texture. -
Serve and Chill:
Pour the cooled phirni into small kullads (traditional earthen pots) for a rustic touch, or serve in individual bowls. Garnish with thinly sliced almonds or pistachios, cover the containers, and refrigerate for 2-3 hours to chill. -
Enjoy Your Phirni:
After the phirni has chilled, remove from the fridge, garnish with a few more sliced almonds or pistachios for an extra crunch, and serve. Enjoy this creamy, fragrant dessert after a hearty meal or as a sweet treat during special occasions like Ramadan.
Phirni pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, making it an ideal addition to any festive meal. Consider serving it alongside a savory dish like Aloo Gobi Ki Sabzi, Ajwain Puri, and Boondi Raita for a complete North Indian-style brunch or dinner. Itβs a dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Tip:
For a twist, you can experiment with adding other nuts like cashews or saffron strands to the phirni. You can also make it in advance, as it stores well in the fridge for up to two days.
This rich, creamy phirni is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into an indulgent treat. Whether you’re enjoying it at the end of a meal or during a special occasion, this North Indian rice pudding is sure to become a favorite!
