Phirni

Phirni is a classic dessert which needs no introduction. Phirni is a sweet made out of rice. It must have originated during the times of mughal rule in India since similar rice pudding and desserts are also seen in Lebanese cuisine (must have been middle eastern in origin). Here goes the recipe...

Ingredients:
Milk - 1 litre
Basmati rice - 100 grams
Cashew, badam, pista paste - 1 tsp
Cardamom - 6 nos
Saffron -3-4 strands
Sugar for taste
Sweetened condensed milk - 400 grams
Condensed milk cream - 170 grams
Salt - 1 pinch

For the garnish
Almond - 4 nos
Pista - 4 nos
Saffron strands - 1 pinch
Raisins (optional) - 4 - 8 nos
Silver foil (optional)

Method:
Wash rice and drain well using a clean dry cloth. Boil milk, add cardamon (Discard them after the aroma is released), add this rice with constant stirring and cook till the rice is done (can add more water). Mash well. Reduce the flame, add condensed milk cream with constant stirring and cook till it thickens. Add the cashew, badam and pista paste, saffron strands, pinch of salt and mash well again using a hand mixer. Add condensed milk, sugar for taste and turn off the flame. Chill for 4-5 hours, garnish and serve.

Note:
To garnish, place silver foil on the phirini and take it out carefully. Add sliced almonds, sliced pista, cashew, raisins, saffron etc. for the garnishing . Add sugar as per need, Can use sugarfree also. Can add cardamon powder instead of whole cardamons.