Phirni - Rice Pudding

Phirni is a North Indian dessert prepared by using just rice, milk and sugar. It has a creamy texture almost like custard. For a dessert with such minimum ingredients and easy preparation, the taste is just awesome. 

For me it is special as I grew up eating Phirni. It reminds me of my childhood and brings back beautiful memories. Even now when I visit my parents(India), my dad always will remember to get some Phirni for me. Its mostly served in earthern bowls/clay pots and that imparts a beautiful earthy flavor to this Phirni.

I just needed some comforting and a little pampering for myself. So had to really make this dessert. I can say this, if you have never tried this dessert, you taste it just once and I'm sure you will be hooked forever...

Ingredients:

• 4 cups/1 quart/1 litre whole milk
• 1/4 cup rice
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
• 10 almonds slivered
• 10-12 pistachios chopped

Preparation :

• Soak rice in about 2 cups of water for about 1 hour. Now drain the rice and grind it with as little water almost to a grainy texture.
• Take a thick bottomed pan and add milk and sugar. Mix it well and bring to a boil. Now add the freshly ground rice slowly stirring continuously as you do not want any lumps to form.
• Keeping it on medium flame stir until it starts to thicken. Almost takes 15-20 minutes.
• Now add the cardamom powder , slivered almonds and pistachios and mix well.
• Get it off the flame and pour it into the serving bowls.
• Garnish with almonds and pistachios. Chill it for a while and serve. (When you chill it, Phirni will thicken a bit more). Enjoy !!!!