Anjeer (Fig) Phirni

Phirni is a popular sweet dish and it is easy to make. Phirni is a North Indian dessert, delicately flavored with cardamom and saffron. Actually my friend tried this recipe with sooji (rava). It actually tasted good. But I wanted to try with basmati rice…The same way how we prepare the normal phirni.A well-made Phirni should be creamy without being too sweet which has the flavors of rice, milk, a hint of cardamom and saffron. Traditionally, Phirni is plain and garnished with chopped/ slivered almonds or pistachios, and served in earthenware pots, which in my opinion is the best way to eat Phirni.Not only this dish is very easy to make, it’s also gluten-free, healthy to boot (no added fat) and can be made ahead and chilled. If you do want to add more ingredients, just go with rice, milk, sugar and cardamom and still have a delightful dessert on hand.

Prep time: 30 min           Cook time: 30 min       Serves: 8

Cuisine :North Indian(Sweet Dessert)

Ingredients	Quantity
An jeer (fig)	1 cup
Basmati rice	100 gms
Milk	1 litre
Sugar	75 gms
Cardamom powder	1 tbsp.
Saffron	3-4 strands
Cashews	1 tbsp.
Almonds	1 tbsp.
Pistachios	1 tbsp.

To garnish

Almonds(sliced)	1 tbsp.
Pistachios	1 tbsp.
Saffron	5 strands

 Method

1. Soak the basmati rice for 30 min hr. Soak the dried fig in water for 30 mins separately. Drain all the water away and grind the rice. Keep the soaked water of anjeer aside and then grind this along with the rice to a very coarse paste.2. Boil the milk in a deep, heavy bottomed pan or in a normal vessel. Now slowly add the fig, soaked fig water,rice ground paste and cook on medium heat till the rice is completely done.3. Put saffron, sugar, green cardamom. Reduce heat, and then add pistachio, almond, finely broken cashews (available in supermarkets). Stir constantly to prevent the milk from burning. Keep some mixed nuts for garnishing Turn off the heat. 4. Pour Phirni into bowls or cups. It will be nice to serve with those earthen small round mud cups. (I don’t have).Garnish with the remaining chopped nuts. Serve chilled.

 Notes

It is a good idea to grind green cardamom with a little sugar for its aromatic flavor. You can store this in an airtight jar for further dessert dishes.

For people who love creamy version more, they can add some sweetened condensed milk and cream which adds extra flavor.

Fruit pulp can be added to this basic recipe for a delicious twist

You can also refrigerate 4 -5 hours. Serve chilled.