Phirni Recipe | Firni Recipe

Phirni is one of those popular and classic Indian desserts. It is creamy, slightly thick, and subtly flavored with saffron and cardamom. This recipe is usually made on special occasions or festivals like Eid, Diwali or Holi. Recipe included with step by step pictures and video.

This phirni recipe is made with just few ingredients that is readily available in your kitchen. Even now, it's one of those desserts I always run to when I want something simple yet special. The richness from saffron and cardamom is truly heartwarming. It's one of the easiest dessert to make at home, and whenever I make it, it's always a hit.

Jump to:

• About Phirni
• Phirni Video
• Phirni Ingredients
• How to make Phirni Step by Step
• Expert Tips
• Serving and Storage
• FAQS
• 📖 Recipe Card

About Phirni

Phirni is a North Indian rich and luscious dessert made by cooking basmati rice in full cream milk along with sugar and flavoured with saffron and cardamom. It is similar to kheer, but has a smooth pudding-like texture and served in small pots or cups, and I love garnishing with saffron strands and chopped nuts. 

Phirni is an easy traditional Indian rice pudding like dessert. Phirni / Firni is prepared with full cream milk, basmati rice and sugar as main ingredients. The cooked rice milk mixture is poured into small earthen clay pots garnish with mixed nuts and saffron. Phirni or Firni is made for festivals like Holi, Diwali and Ramzan.

Phirni is especially popular during Ramadan and Eid, as it is a light yet rich dessert. The rice is soaked and ground coarsely and added to boiling milk. As it simmers, the rice thickens the milk and gives it a creamy base. A little saffron is added for color and flavor. This recipe has mild sweetness and doesn't overpower the flavor.

I love using full cream milk for this recipe, as it gives a rich flavor and taste. This phirni recipe sets beautifully when chilled, and thickens even more as it cools. It's best to make it a few hours ahead before serving. This recipe can make your festive platter look rich and beautiful.

You can also customize this recipe with your favorite flavors. This is a basic phirni recipe with kesar that I am posting but there are many variations to phirni like Rose Phirni, Pistachio Phirni, Almond Phirni, Kesar Phirni or with fruits like Mango, Orange Phirni or even Tender Coconut Phirni etc.

Phirni Video

Phirni Ingredients

• Basmati rice - Use good quality basmati rice, soak it for 20 minutes then air dry and grind it to a slightly coarse mixture. It should not be powdered or very coarse.
• Full cream milk - This is the base of the recipe, using full cream milk adds richness and flavor.
• Sugar - Adds sweetness to the phirni. I have used regular granulated white sugar.
• Saffron - Soak saffron in warm milk, adds a mild colour and rich flavour. 
• Cardamom powder, Rose water - Adds warm aroma and taste to the dish.
• Mixed nuts - Add finely chopped almonds, pistachios for garnish.

Similar Recipes

• Mango Phirni
• Bread Kheer
• Shrikhand
• Tender coconut pudding
• Carrot halwa
• More desserts

Why This Recipe Works

• This is an easy dessert made with simple ingredients.
• It's thick, with a smooth and creamy texture.
• Flavored naturally with saffron and cardamom.
• Perfect recipe for festivals and special occasions.
• Can be made ahead and stored in fridge.
• Easily customizable with fruits, dry fruits, etc.
• Great dessert option for iftar or dinner parties.

How to make Phirni Step by Step

1.Rinse ¼ cup basmati rice in water then soak it in water for 20 minutes.

2.Drain water and spread it in the strainer and air dry it.

3.Once dried grind it to a slightly coarse mixture and set aside.

4.Heat 1 liter - 4 cups full cream milk in a heavy bottomed pan.

5.Once boiled add little hot milk to 10 strands of saffron.

6.Add rice mixture.

7.Mix it well so that there are no lumps.

8.Cook until it becomes thick and rice turns soft.

9.Now add ½ cup sugar and saffron milk.

10.Mix it well, it will turn slightly runny. Keep cooking until it is thick.

11.Add ¼ teaspoon cardamom powder and ½ teaspoon rose water.

12.Mix it well. It should be thick but in flowing consistency like this.

13.Transfer the mixture to small clay bowls.

14.Sprinkle chopped nuts and saffron. Chill it for minimum 2 hours.

Serve chilled!

Expert Tips

• Soaking - Soaking rice is mandatory, do not skip this step.
• Drying & Grinding - Air dry the rice then grind it slightly coarse. It should not be powdered or very coarse
• Mixing - Keep mixing continuously in low flame after rice paste is added else it will form lumps.
• Milk - Use full cream milk for best results.
• Saffron milk - Adding hot milk to saffron strands makes it to release color and deep flavour.
• Adjustment - If phirni thickens too much while cooling, add little milk and adjust consistency.
• Chilling - Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
• Cookware to use - Use a heavy-bottomed flat based pan to prevent milk sticking to the bottom.
• Serving - Serve it in small cups or earthen pots for a traditional look.
• Nuts - Add nuts of your choice, I used almonds and pistachios.

Serving and Storage

Serve phirni chilled, garnish it with saffron strands and chopped nuts. It pairs beautifully with a festive meal or can be served as a light dessert after lunch or dinner. 

Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If it thickens too much after chilling, add a tablespoon of milk and stir gently before serving.

FAQS

1. Can I make Phirni without saffron?

Yes, but saffron adds a rich flavor and color. You can skip saffron and use cardamom powder alone.

2. Can I use toned or low-fat milk?

Yes, but it won't be as rich and creamy as full cream milk. So I would recommend using full cream milk.

3. Can I make this ahead for a party?

Yes, Phirni sets beautifully when chilled. Make it 4-5 hours ahead or even a day before - it works perfectly.

4. What can I garnish with besides nuts?

You can use dried rose petals, silver leaf, or a pinch of saffron on top.

5. Can I add condensed milk to phirni?

Yes, for a richer taste, you can add a few spoons of condensed milk. Just reduce sugar accordingly.

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