Phirni
An authentic dessert recipe from Delhi, India
Cook Time
45 mins
Servings
4 servings
Difficulty
EasyCategory
DessertIngredients
For 4 servings
1000ml Full-fat milk
60g Basmati rice, soaked and coarsely ground
120g Sugar
5g Cardamom powder
0.5g Saffron strands
15ml Rose water
25g Pistachios, slivered
25g Almonds, slivered
2piece Silver varq (edible silver leaf)
9 ingredients needed
💡 Pro Tip: Gather all ingredients before you start cooking for a smooth preparation process.
Cooking Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to prepare this authentic dish
Soak basmati rice for 30 minutes. Drain and coarsely grind — not to a fine powder, but a grainy texture.
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Bring milk to a boil in a heavy-bottomed pan.
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Dissolve the coarsely ground rice in a small amount of cold milk to make a lump-free slurry.
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Add the rice slurry to the boiling milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
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Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring continuously, for 15–20 minutes until the mixture thickens to a creamy porridge consistency.
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Add sugar and stir until dissolved. Cook for another 5 minutes.
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Add cardamom powder, saffron, and rose water. Mix well.
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Pour into traditional clay pots (shikora) or small bowls.
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Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours until set.
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Before serving, garnish with slivered pistachios, almonds, and silver varq.
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Chef's Tips
Phirni must be served in traditional clay pots — the clay gives it a subtle earthiness that elevates the flavour.
Stir constantly while the rice cooks in the milk — any unattended moment leads to lumps.
The dessert should be poured while still hot as it sets completely upon chilling.
Rose water should be added off the heat to preserve its delicate aroma.
About This Dish
Phirni is a traditional dessert dish from Delhi, India. This authentic recipe provides exact measurements for cooking 4 servings.
- Phirni must be served in traditional clay pots — the clay gives it a subtle earthiness that elevates the flavour. - Stir constantly while the rice cooks in the milk — any unattended moment leads to lumps. - The dessert should be poured while still hot as it sets completely upon chilling. - Rose water should be added off the heat to preserve its delicate aroma.
Category
Dessert
Cook Time
45 mins
Servings
4 servings
Difficulty
Easy