Saturday, January 8, 2011

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 !!!!