Kesar Pista Phirni Recipe (Saffron Pistachio Firni)
A delightful and indulgent dessert, Kesar Pista Phirni is a rich, creamy pudding made from basmati rice, milk, saffron, and pistachios, combining traditional flavors with a luxurious texture. A classic Mughlai dessert, this dish is often enjoyed during festive seasons or special occasions. With the warm, comforting flavors of saffron and the richness of pistachios and almonds, it’s an unforgettable treat.
Whether served chilled or at room temperature, Kesar Pista Phirni is sure to elevate any meal. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this aromatic and delectable dessert at home.
Ingredients for Kesar Pista Phirni (Saffron Pistachio Firni)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Milk | 700 ml |
| Basmati rice (soaked for 30 minutes) | 1/4 cup |
| Sugar | 3/4 cup |
| Saffron strands | A few |
| Cardamom powder (Elaichi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Blanched almonds (Badam), slivered | 2 tablespoons |
| Chopped pistachios | 2 tablespoons |
Preparation Time
30 minutes
Cooking Time
20 minutes
Total Time
50 minutes
Servings
6 servings
Cuisine
Mughlai
Course
Dessert
Diet
Vegetarian
Instructions to Prepare Kesar Pista Phirni (Saffron Pistachio Firni)
Step 1: Prepare the Basmati Rice
Start by washing the basmati rice thoroughly to remove any excess starch. After washing, soak the rice in water for about 20 to 30 minutes. Once soaked, drain the water and transfer the rice to a mixer grinder. Add 2 tablespoons of milk to the rice and pulse it to make a coarse, grainy paste. This paste will be the base of your phirni.
Step 2: Heat the Milk
Place a saucepan on medium heat and pour in 700 ml of milk. To the milk, add a few saffron strands, 1 teaspoon cardamom powder, and 3/4 cup of sugar. Stir the mixture well, ensuring that the sugar dissolves completely.
Step 3: Combine Rice Paste and Cook
Once the milk and sugar mixture begins to simmer, add the ground rice paste to the pan. Stir continuously to ensure that the rice paste blends well into the milk and does not form any lumps. Continue to cook the mixture, stirring regularly, until the rice is fully cooked and the phirni thickens to a creamy consistency. This should take about 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 4: Add Nuts
Once the rice has cooked and the phirni has thickened, remove the saucepan from heat. Add the slivered almonds (badam) and chopped pistachios to the phirni. Stir well to distribute the nuts evenly throughout the dessert.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Transfer the Kesar Pista Phirni into individual serving dishes. Cover each dish with cling film or foil and place them in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and the phirni to set properly.
Before serving, garnish each bowl with additional chopped pistachios, almonds, and a few strands of saffron for an elegant touch. Serve the phirni chilled, and enjoy the luxurious dessert!
Serving Suggestions:
Kesar Pista Phirni is best enjoyed as a refreshing dessert after a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with rich Indian breads like Spicy Aloo Naan, or Smoked Dal Makhani Dhaba Style. You could also serve it alongside a fragrant Spinach Rice (Palak Pulao) and a cool Tomato Onion Cucumber Raita for a complete meal experience.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
(Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.)
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~250 kcal |
| Protein | ~6 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~35 g |
| Fat | ~10 g |
| Fiber | ~1 g |
| Sugar | ~20 g |
Kesar Pista Phirni is a truly indulgent dessert that brings together the richness of saffron, pistachios, and cardamom with the creamy texture of rice pudding. Perfect for celebrations, festive dinners, or any special occasion, this dessert is sure to delight your guests and family alike. Try this recipe at home for an authentic taste of Mughlai cuisine!
