By Aditi Saraswat
November 20, 2025
Phirni is a creamy North Indian dessert that is prepared with ground rice slow-cooked in milk and flavoured with cardamom, saffron. Served chilled, this festive sweet is ideal for celebrations, special dinners, or when you desire a classic, comforting treat.
1 litre Full-fat milk ¼ cup Basmati rice ½–¾ cup (to taste) sugar ½ tsp green cardamom powder 8–10, saffron strands soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk 2 tbsp chopped almonds 2 tbsp chopped pistachios ½ tsp (optional) rose water
Wash ¼ cup basmati rice thoroughly and soak for 30 minutes. Drain and grind it coarsely with little water to make a thick paste.
In a heavy-bottomed pan, boil 1 litre of milk then boil. Slowly add the rice paste to the milk and stir constantly to avoid lumps or sticking.
Cook on a low flame, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches a thick consistency and the rice is well-cooked, with a creamy and smooth texture.
Add ½ to ¾ cup of sugar and stir until it dissolves. Add saffron milk and ½ tsp cardamom powder, boil for 3–4 minutes.
Switch off the flame and add ½ tsp rose water (if using). Pour phirni into small serving bowls.
Garnish with chopped almonds and pistachios. Keep in the refrigerator for about 2–3 hours and serve cold phirni for the best taste.