Phirni (Rice Pudding)

For the very long time I was confused between phirni and kheer. They both are made of rice and almost cooked the same way. The only difference is how you process rice for cooking. Phirni is made from ground rice and served chilled. Kheer is made from whole rice and can be served chilled or warm.



Ingredients:
Basmati ice (or any other rice of your choice)- 3 tbsp
Whole milk - 1.5 cups
Sugar - 1/2 cup
Silvered almond - handful
Saffron - 3-4 strands
Ground cardamom powder - 1/4 tsp

Method:

1. Soak saffron in 2 tbsp warm milk. 
2. Soak rice in water to 10-15 minutes. Drain and pat dry rice on a paper towel.
3. Grind in a mixer to make coarse powder.
4. Boil milk, add ground rice and sugar. Cook till rice is completely cooked. 
5. Add saffron, cardamom powder.
6. Portion it in small serving bowls. Garnish with almonds and chill before serving. 

Note: Normally phirni is of a thicker consistency than rice kheer. You can also garnish with pistachios and other nuts.