RECIPE OF MILK PHIRNI: A FAMOUS TREAT



                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Milk Phirni, a traditional World dessert, is a creamy, aromatic pudding-like sweet dish made with ground rice, milk, and sugar, and flavored with cardamom, saffron, and nuts. It’s a delightful treat that's often served during festivals, celebrations, and special occasions. Its rich texture and enticing flavors make it a favorite among people of all ages.

The preparation of Milk Phirni involves a few simple steps, but the result is a dish that bursts with flavor and charm. Let's delve into the detailed recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1-liter whole milk
  • 1/4 cup Basmati rice
  • 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 4-5 green cardamom pods, crushed
  • A pinch of saffron threads
  • 2 tablespoons chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios, cashews)
  • Rose water (optional)
  • Edible silver or gold leaf (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Soak the Rice:

Rinse the Basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.

Soak the rice in water for about 30 minutes to soften it.

2. Prepare the Milk Mixture:

In a heavy-bottomed pan, pour the milk and bring it to a boil over medium heat.

Once the milk starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer.

Stir the milk occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

3. Drain and Grind the Rice:

After 30 minutes, drain the soaked rice and transfer it to a blender or food processor.

Grind the rice into a coarse paste. You don’t need to make it completely smooth; some texture is desirable.

4. Add Rice Paste to Milk:

Once the milk has reduced slightly after about 20-25 minutes of simmering, add the ground rice paste to the pan.

Stir continuously to prevent lumps from forming.

5. Flavor with Cardamom and Saffron:

Crush the cardamom pods to release their flavor and add them to the milk-rice mixture.

Add a pinch of saffron threads to the mixture. This will infuse a beautiful color and aroma into the Phirni.

6. Sweeten and Cook:

Gradually add sugar to the milk mixture, stirring continuously.

Continue cooking the Phirni on low heat until it thickens to a creamy consistency. This might take around 30-40 minutes.

7. Garnish and Chill:

Once the Phirni reaches the desired consistency, remove it from the heat.

Stir in chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios, cashews) for added texture and flavor.

If using, add a few drops of rose water for a fragrant touch.

Let the Phirni cool down to room temperature before transferring it to serving bowls or glasses.

Cover the bowls/glasses with plastic wrap and refrigerate the Phirni for at least 2-3 hours or until chilled.

8. Serve:

Before serving, garnish the chilled Phirni with more chopped nuts and a sprinkle of saffron strands.

For an extra touch of elegance, you can place a small piece of edible silver or gold leaf on top.

Milk Phirni is best enjoyed cold, so serve it chilled for the perfect dessert experience.

Note

Make sure to use a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent the milk from scorching.

Stir the Phirni continuously while cooking to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth texture.

Adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste preference. You can also use sweeteners like jaggery or honey as alternatives.

For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of condensed milk or evaporated milk to the Phirni.

Feel free to experiment with different nuts and flavorings to customize the Phirni according to your liking.

Milk Phirni is a classic Indian dessert that never fails to impress with its creamy texture and aromatic flavors. Whether served at festive gatherings or enjoyed as a comforting treat at home, this indulgent sweet dish is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving for more!