Creamy Phirni Recipe – North Indian Rice Pudding
A quintessential North Indian dessert, Creamy Phirni is a rich and aromatic rice pudding made from basmati rice, full cream milk, sugar, and cardamom, creating a delicately sweet and smooth dessert. This indulgent dish is perfect for special occasions, festivals like Ramadan, or simply as a treat after a flavorful meal. With its creamy texture and the added crunch of almonds, Phirni brings a unique taste that is loved by all. Let’s dive into this delectable dessert recipe that will surely add sweetness to your table!
Ingredients for Creamy Phirni
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Full cream milk | 250 grams |
| Rice (soaked for at least 3 hours) | 1/2 cup |
| Green cardamom pods/seeds (crushed) | 2 pods |
| Sugar (adjustable to taste) | 1 cup |
| Almonds (Badam) – thinly sliced | 2 tablespoons |
Preparation Time
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 0 minutes | 90 minutes | 90 minutes |
Servings
| Servings |
|---|
| 4 |
Cuisine
| Cuisine | Course | Diet |
|---|---|---|
| North Indian | Dessert | Vegetarian |
Instructions to Make Creamy Phirni
-
Prepare the Rice
Drain the soaked rice thoroughly. Add it to a mixer grinder and pulse it coarsely, adding just a small amount of water or milk. Ensure the texture remains grainy and not pasty. -
-
Boil the Milk
In a heavy-bottomed pan, bring the full cream milk to a gentle boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from sticking to the bottom. -
Flavor the Milk
Once the milk starts boiling, add the crushed green cardamom into the milk. This will infuse the milk with a warm, fragrant aroma. Stir gently. -
Add Sugar and Rice
Add the sugar into the boiling milk, adjusting the quantity to your taste. After the sugar has dissolved, carefully add the coarsely ground rice into the milk mixture. -
Cook the Mixture
Keep stirring the rice and milk mixture continuously for about 20 minutes. This will ensure the rice cooks evenly and the mixture thickens slightly. Be patient and allow the rice to cook fully, ensuring it absorbs the milk and becomes tender. -
Cool and Set the Phirni
Once the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency and the rice is soft, turn off the heat. Allow the phirni to cool down to room temperature. -
Serve the Phirni
Once cooled, pour the creamy phirni into small earthen pots (kullads) or bowls. Top with a few slices of pistachios for added flavor and texture. Cover the pots and refrigerate for 2-3 hours to chill. -
Garnish and Serve
After refrigerating, take the phirni out and garnish with thinly sliced almonds or pistachios on top for extra crunch and flavor. Serve chilled as a dessert.
Serving Suggestions
Phirni is the perfect dessert after a delicious North Indian meal. You can pair it with a complete meal such as Aloo Gobi Ki Sabzi, Ajwain Puri, and Boondi Raita for a fulfilling brunch or dinner. It’s also a delightful dish to prepare during Ramadan, offering a sweet treat after a day of fasting.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Phirni
- Rice Texture: Ensure the rice is coarsely ground so that it cooks evenly, creating that perfect smooth texture.
- Adjusting Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the sugar quantity based on your preference for sweetness. You can also substitute sugar with jaggery or another sweetener for a different flavor profile.
- Chill Before Serving: For the best taste and texture, make sure to refrigerate the phirni for a couple of hours to let it set and achieve the right consistency.
- Alternative Garnishes: While almonds and pistachios are traditional, you can experiment with other nuts like cashews or even dried rose petals for a fragrant twist.
Enjoy this creamy, rich dessert, and let the flavors of Creamy Phirni transport you to the heart of North India!
