Phirni, a traditional Pakistani dessert, is a creamy and delectable rice pudding that can be put together within 30 minutes of active cooking. Made with fragrant basmati rice, milk, sugar, and flavored with cardamom.
It holds a special place in my heart and my family’s tastebuds. The velvety texture and rich aroma of this easy phirni recipe never fail to entice my kids, turning it into their beloved dessert.
What is the difference between Kheer and Phirni
Although rice and kheer looked similar and both are rice puddings the difference is the texture. Kheer is made with whole rice cooked in milk until thickened while phirni is made with ground rice.
Also known as firni is faster to make and has a velvety texture. It takes only three main ingredients: rice, whole milk, or half and half and sugar, thus making it an easy dessert.
It’s that simple, you can choose to add cardamom or any other flavoring such as rose syrup.
It’s my family’s all-time favorite!
Ingredients for phirni
Rice
I recommend using new basmati rice or any other short-grain rice with high starch content. I don’t recommend aged rice. First of all wash and soak basmati rice for 30 minutes.
In a blender add soaked rice and half a cup of water and blend for 30 seconds to make a paste. Alternatively, you can use rice powder as well.
Whole Milk
I recommend using whole milk or half milk and half cream for a creamier texture. For 1 liter of milk, I used 1/2 cup of rice.
Half and half is a rich and creamy blend that consists of half cream and half whole milk, creating a deliciously smooth texture perfect for elevating the flavor and creaminess of your pudding.
Sugar
Sugar depends on your taste but I used 3/4 of a cup. You can also use brown or raw sugar. I used regular white sugar for this easy rice pudding.
Sugar substitutes will also work just fine.
How to serve Phirni?
Phirni tastes best when served cold. I don’t like any nuts in the pudding so I only prefer adding a few crushed almonds on top but if you like nuts then feel free to add more almonds and pistachios.
To flavor you can also use fresh fruits such as mangoes or rose syrup as well.
How to store Phirni?
I usually keep phirni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you see it’s separating then just mix it well.
If you are planning to serve to your guests make sure to transfer into the serving bowl when it’s still warm so it can cool down in the container for the best presentation.
Garnish with chopped almonds, pistachios, saffron strands, or rose petals.
Easy Phirni (A three ingredient rice pudding)
Ingredients
- 4.5 cups whole milk or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup basmati rice
- 1/2 cup water
- 3/4 cups sugar
- 3 green cardamom optional
- 5 Almonds for garnish
Instructions
- Wash and then soak rice for 30 minutes.
- Then add rice to a blender with 1/2 a cup of water and blend it very well.
- In a pan add 1 liter of half and half or whole milk.
- Add blended rice, and cook on high heat while stirring constantly for 10 minutes
- then lower the heat and cook for another 20 minutes or until it thickens. Keep stirring it every five minutes.
- Once it’s thick, add sugar. Cook for a few more minutes.
- Transfer the pudding to a serving bowl. Let it set for a few hours to cool down then garnish and enjoy.
- I garnished it with crushed almonds and rose petals