Kesar Phirni/Saffron Rice Pudding

Phirni is an Indian sweet dish. It has a texture that is a cross between custard and pudding and is made with ground rice and milk. The popular flavor variations are Badam (using almond paste), aam (with mango pulp) and rose phirni (obviously with rose syrup). Here however I am sharing with you the variation that is one of my most favorite flavoring for sweet dishes - kesar (saffron) phirni. The saffron gives the phirni a level of sophestication which is just perfect for oncoming festive occasion of Deepawali. During the festival of Deepawali, or the festival of light, no Indian family can do without sweet dishes.  Many families use the store bought sweets and even more families are busy making sweets at home. The list of those universally liked Indian sweet dishes is really long. Some dishes can be tricky and time consuming to make but phirni is quick and easy. The smooth creamy cool taste of this dessert just puts you in a good mood. Its so good that my princess, who doesn't have much of a sweet tooth and is a very fussy eater, ate a whole bowlful. She just started to learn Spanish at her pre-school and lovingly gave it the name "blanco ice-cream" :)

Ingredients:


Basmati rice ................................ 4 tbsp
Sugar ........................................ 1/2 - 3/4 cup (adjust to your taste)
Milk .......................................... 3 cups ( I use 2%)
Rose water ................................. 1 tsp
Saffron ...................................... 1/4 tsp (powdered)
Cardamom powder ........................ 1/2 tsp
Crushed  pistachios for garnishing

Method:
1. Wash and soak rice in water for 45 minutes. Grind the rice to a slightly coarse paste with a little water.

2. Boil milk in a pan  add cardamom powder. When it starts boiling add rice paste and stir  continuously to avoid lumps. Stir in the sugar. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes until the milk thickens considerably, stirring often (phirni is thick and custard-like).

3. Add rose water and saffron. Remove from heat. Pour into individual bowls and chill in the refrigerator till it sets. Garnish with crushed nuts and serve chilled. ENJOY!

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