Desserts > Indian Desserts > Rice Pudding > Phirni

Cardamom and Saffron Phirni Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1/2 cup basmati rice
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios
- 2 tablespoons chopped almonds
- 2 tablespoons chopped cashews

Special equipment needed:
- Heavy-bottomed saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Serving bowls

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Rinse the rice in cold water and soak it for 30 minutes.
2. Drain the rice and grind it into a coarse powder.
3. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat.
4. Add the ground rice to the milk and stir continuously to prevent lumps.
5. Add the sugar and continue stirring until the mixture thickens.
6. Add the saffron and cardamom and mix well.
7. Remove from heat and let it cool.
8. Once cool, pour the mixture into a mixing bowl and whisk until smooth.
9. Pour the mixture into serving bowls and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
10. Garnish with chopped pistachios, almonds, and cashews before serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 40 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
Cooking temperature: Medium heat
Serving size:
This recipe makes 4 servings.

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 320
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 10g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Basmati rice can be substituted with any other long-grain rice.
- Whole milk can be substituted with almond milk or coconut milk.
- Sugar can be substituted with honey or maple syrup.
- Saffron threads can be substituted with turmeric powder.

Variations:
- Add chopped fruits like mangoes, strawberries, or bananas for a fruity twist.
- Use rose water instead of saffron for a floral flavor.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon for a warm spice flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Stir continuously while cooking to prevent lumps.
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent burning.
- Let the mixture cool completely before whisking to avoid curdling.

Storage instructions:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Serve chilled.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve in small earthen pots for an authentic touch.
- Garnish with rose petals for a beautiful presentation.

Garnishes:
- Chopped pistachios, almonds, and cashews
- Rose petals

Pairings:
- Serve with Indian sweets like gulab jamun or rasgulla.
- Pair with a cup of hot chai tea.

Suggested side dishes:
- Serve with naan bread or papadum.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the mixture is too thick, add a little more milk.
- If the mixture is too thin, cook for a few more minutes until it thickens.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to use fresh ingredients.
- Store in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage.

Food history:
- Phirni is a traditional Indian rice pudding that originated in the Mughal era.

Flavor profiles:
- Creamy, sweet, and aromatic with hints of saffron and cardamom.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a dessert after a spicy Indian meal.

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Region: Indian

Taste: Creamy, Sweet, Aromatic, Spiced