Phirni - A Creamy Rice pudding

Phirni - A rich creamy Indian desert made with Rice and Milk. I still remember my trip to Amritsar when i was studying in Chandigarh, It was the first time I had tasted Phirni and since then i m in love with this Desert. It is traditionally served in small earthen pots also known as "Shikoras".Looking at it benefits it acts as an excellent coolant in summers. Also high in Calcium and protein, it is cool for Pittas, wet for Vatas and usually light enough for Kaphas to digest.

Ingredients :

1 Liter full cream Milk

1/4 Cup Soaked Rice for an Hour
3/4 Cup Sugar
1/4 Tablespoon Cardamom Powder
1 Table spoon Gulkand
Pinch of Saffron
Almonds,Pistachios and Rose Petals to garnish

Recipe :

1. Grind the soaked Rice to a fine paste and keep aside

2. Soak the Saffron in one tablespoon of Milk and keep aside

3. In a heavy bottom Pan, boil milk. Once boiled slowly add Rice paste and Mix properly to avoid any lumps.

4. Let it cook  for 15 mins till rice gets cooked properly.

5. Add Sugar, Cardamom Powder, Saffron and Gulkand , Mix properly.

6. Cook again for 5-10 mins till you get thick consistency. Once cooked let it cool for an hour, Pour the cool mixture in cleaned earthen pots and garnish with Nuts and Rose Petals

7. Chill the phirni for 2-3 hours in refrigerator before serving .