Kesar Pista Phirni Recipe
Description:
Kesar Pista Phirni is a decadent, traditional dessert that’s commonly prepared during festive occasions, especially during Ramadan. This rich Mughlai dessert is made by cooking Basmati rice in milk infused with cardamom and saffron, which adds a delightful fragrance and flavor. Topped with slivered almonds and pistachios, Kesar Pista Phirni offers a perfect blend of creamy, nutty, and aromatic sweetness that makes it the ultimate indulgence after a grand meal.
Cuisine:
Mughlai
Course:
Dessert
Diet:
Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Milk | 700 ml |
| Basmati rice (soaked for 30 minutes) | 1/4 cup |
| Sugar | 3/4 cup |
| Saffron strands | A few strands |
| Cardamom powder (Elaichi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Whole almonds (Badam, blanched and slivered) | 2 tablespoons |
| Pistachios (chopped) | 2 tablespoons |
Preparation Time:
30 minutes
Cooking Time:
20 minutes
Instructions:
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Soaking the Rice: Begin by thoroughly washing the Basmati rice to remove any excess starch. Soak the rice in water for about 20 to 30 minutes. Once soaked, drain the water and transfer the rice into a mixer grinder. Add 2 tablespoons of milk to the rice and pulse it into a coarse, grainy paste.
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Infusing the Milk: In a medium-sized saucepan, pour in the milk and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Add the saffron strands, cardamom powder, and sugar to the milk. Stir the mixture well until the sugar dissolves completely and the milk becomes infused with the flavors.
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Cooking the Rice: Slowly add the ground rice paste into the simmering milk, stirring continuously to avoid any lumps. Keep stirring the mixture as it cooks. The rice will begin to thicken as it absorbs the milk. Continue stirring until the rice is fully cooked and the mixture reaches a thick, creamy consistency.
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Adding Nuts: Once the rice is cooked and the Phirni has thickened, remove it from the heat. Stir in the chopped pistachios and slivered almonds. These will add a delightful crunch and enhance the flavor of the dessert.
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Chilling the Phirni: Transfer the Kesar Pista Phirni into individual serving bowls. Cover the bowls with cling film or foil and refrigerate for a couple of hours to chill. This step ensures the Phirni sets properly and serves as a refreshing cold dessert.
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Garnishing and Serving: Once chilled, garnish the Kesar Pista Phirni with a few additional slivers of almonds, chopped pistachios, and a sprinkle of saffron strands for an elegant touch. Serve this delectable dessert chilled, perfect for a festive occasion or a grand family meal.
Serving Suggestions:
Kesar Pista Phirni pairs wonderfully as a sweet ending to a delicious meal. Try serving it after a hearty dinner, such as Spicy Aloo Naan, Smoked Dal Makhani Dhaba Style, Spinach Rice (Palak Pulao), and a refreshing Tomato Onion Cucumber Raita.
This rich and aromatic dessert is sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests, making any celebration even more special.
