Phirni
Phirni, a delicious Punjabi style milk and rice based creamy dessert, has a thick creamy texture and is traditionally served in the clay containers and enjoyed on special occasions like Diwali and Karwa Chauth. This easy to follow step by step photo recipe of Amritsari badam phirni uses almond paste to give it a creamier feel that compliments the thick texture introduced by crushed rice paste. The saffron and cardamom powder enhances its rich flavor and aroma and garnish of sliced almonds and pistachio gives this chilled dessert a tempting look.
| Ingredients: |
| 10 Almonds (badam), blanched |
| 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) Basmati Rice |
| 1/2 cup + 2½ cups Milk |
| 1/3 cup Sugar (or to taste) |
| 1/4 teaspoon Green Cardamom Powder |
| 5-6 Saffron Strands (dissolved in 1 teaspoon milk) |
| For Garnishing |
| 2 Almonds, sliced |
| 3 Green Pistachios (pista), chopped |
| 6-9 Saffron Strands (kesar) |
Directions:
- Blanch almonds by following the steps for how to blanch almonds given in badam kheer recipe . Add blanched almonds to the small chutney jar of a mixer grinder and grind them with 1-tablespoon water into smooth paste. Transfer it to a small bowl.
- Rinse basmati rice in running water and soak in water for half an hour.
- Drain excess water and transfer rice to the small chutney jar of mixer-grinder. Add approx. 2-3 tablespoons water and grind until thick and smooth paste. Mix prepared paste with 1/2 cup milk and keep aside.
- Heat remaining 2½ cups milk in a heavy based pan and bring it to boil over medium flame.
- When it starts boiling, add rice-milk mixture (prepared in step-3). Reduce flame to low and cook with continuous stirring until the mixture turns creamy and slightly thick, it will take around 5-7 minutes.
- Add sugar, green cardamom powder and dissolved saffron strands; stir well and cook until sugar dissolves completely for about 2-3 minutes.
- Add almonds paste (prepared in step-1), mix well and cook for a minute.
- Turn off the flame and transfer hot phirni to a large serving bowl or 3-small bowls. Garnish with almonds (sliced), chopped pistachios and saffron strands and let it cool at room temperature.
- Cover the a bowl or bowls with aluminum foil and place in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours to set; take them out from refrigerator just before serving, remove foil and serve.
Tips and Variations:
- Constant stirring is required in step-6 and step-7 to avoid sticking mixture to the pan.
- If you are in hurry then soak the rice in hot water for 15-minutes instead of soaking them for half an hour in regular water.
- If basmati rice is not available, use any other good quality rice in place of it.
- Change the quantity of the sugar according to your taste.
- Serve it in clay bowls and garnish with rose petals for traditional festival feel.
Taste: Sweet
Serving Ideas: Serve it as a chilled dessert after dinner or as a stand alone sweet to entertain the guests.