PHIRNI

Creamy rice based dessert from north India Preparation Time : 30 - 35 minutes Cooking Time : 1 hour Servings : 4

INGREDIENTS Rice, soaked 5 tablespoons Milk 1 litre Saffron (kesar) a generous pinch Sugar 3/4 cup Green cardamom powder 1/2 teaspoon Pistachios, blanched, peeled and sliced 10 - 15

METHOD Drain and grind the rice to a coarse paste. Bring milk to a boil. Add rice paste dissolved in a little water or cold milk. Cook till rice is completely cooked, stirring constantly. Add saffron and mix well. Add sugar and cardamom powder and cook till sugar is completely dissolved. Pour into earthenware or china bowls and garnish with pistachios. Chill in a refrigerator for an hour before serving.  Recipe Tip : It is a good idea to grind green cardamom with a little sugar as otherwise the quantity of green cardamom may be too little to grind. You can store this in an airtight jar for use in sweet dishes and desserts.