Phirni Recipe, How to make Kesar Phirni Recipe | Rice Pudding with Pistachio and Saffron

Phirni Recipe with step by step method : Phirni is a traditional Indian dessert recipe that uses saffron and rice to make a delightful traditional Indian sweet dish. 

It is an ideal celebratory recipe and is ideally suited for festivals such as Diwali, Eid and Holi. You can easily prepare this dessert recipe at home.

This is a popular North Indian delicacy which is very easy to make and tastes great. 

This is a slow cooked rice pudding made with coarsely ground rice, Phirni incorporates flavors of milk, saffron and loads of dried fruits. 

While many of them is known about ‘kheer’ an Indian rice pudding; but this version of rice pudding uses broken/ ground rice which gives it a grainy texture and thickens the mix well. 



Traditionally it is perfect to give it a cool and refrigerate for a rich consistency although even at room temperature this is a pleasure.

This recipe is one of the famous north-indian which is specially serving in kullads (especially in all indian marriages or big sweet shops) or earthen pots so that the rustic flavors of kullad blends with dessert. 

To make Kesar Phirni, rice is soaked in water for a few minutes and then ground into a coarse paste. It is then added into milk and reduced until nicely thickened. 

Addition of saffron gives this Phirni a delicious flavour and fragrance.

If you are looking for more easy Saffron recipes then do check

kesari rice kheer
rava kesari halwa
saffron sweet rice
kesar aam ras
motichoor ladoo
zarda pulao

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Indian
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Author - Jolly Makkar-

Ingredients :

Full Cream Milk - 4 cups
Rice - 3 tbsp
Ghee - 1 tsp
Saffron - 15-20 strands
Sugar - 1/2 cup
Rose water - 1/2 tsp
Cardamom powder - 1/2 tsp
Chopped Pistachio and some saffron strands for Garnishing

Preparation Method :

1. Wash and soak rice for an hour. Drain the water and blend the rice in a blender to make a coarse paste.

2. Add very little water if required.

3. Soak the saffron strands in 2 tablespoon of warm milk.

4. In a heavy bottom pan, add ghee. When the ghee is hot, add the milk.

5. Add the rice and saffron to the milk.

6. Simmer the heat and cook till the milk is reduced to 1/2 and phirni has reached the desired consistency. Add cardamom powder.

7. Add sugar and rose water.

8. Transfer the phirni into bowls. Chill for a few hours before serving.

9. Serve your chilled phirni in your desired serving bowls or using short or long glass(which i used it in my post). Garnish with slivered pistachios and saffron strands.

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Happy Cooking & Enjoy !!

16 comments

  1. ShobhaJuly 23, 2018 at 6:57 PM

    Phirni is one of my favourite Indian dessert. It is so simple and delicious.

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  2. Malini's SpaceJuly 24, 2018 at 12:16 AM

    Yummylicious phirni. Love the color, texture and flavor. Awesome combo, "saffron and nuts."

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  3. IndfusedJuly 24, 2018 at 6:23 AM

    Your phirni color looks awesome and I loved the flavor combination! Great shots Jolly!

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  4. Priya Srinivasan - I Camp in My KitchenJuly 24, 2018 at 10:02 AM

    Lovely color and yummilicious dessert! Perfect to celebrate any occassion!

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  5. LathiyaJuly 25, 2018 at 7:52 PM

    Amazing share...kheer and phirni are different even their making is same..how interesting is that..the phirni looks delicious with saffron and nuts

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  6. jayashreeJuly 26, 2018 at 3:27 AM

    The phirni looks so delicious and rich, drooling for it now.

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  7. Ritu TangriJuly 26, 2018 at 4:43 AM

    Rose water and saffron together must have given a flavorful touch to the ever delicious phirni

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  8. HayleyJuly 26, 2018 at 2:17 PM

    One of my favourite Indian dessert, saffron gives that extra flavour and richness to any Indian sweets.

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  9. code2cookJuly 26, 2018 at 8:53 PM

    I am starting my love for phirni, have not yet tried it. Yours looking lip smacking phirni. Beautifully captured.

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  10. Poonam BachhavJuly 26, 2018 at 9:54 PM

    I prefer phirni over kheer and this Kesar Phirni is just perfect for the festive season..lovely color too !

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  11. Ruchi's Veg KitchenJuly 26, 2018 at 11:25 PM

    Phirni pics are tempting Jolly .. loved them. Simple yet super delicious dessert

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  12. preethi'scuisineJuly 29, 2018 at 4:45 AM

    Kesar Phirni looks fabulous.Such a simple and yummy dish.

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  13. cookingwithsapanaJuly 30, 2018 at 8:17 AM

    From kheer and phirni the later is my favorite and you have made it absolutely delicious.

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  14. RobinsonAugust 31, 2019 at 1:53 AM

    Great Appetizer! I started the party with this sweet recipe! And the perfect finisher was the gulab jamun! The result- I am the new gang leader!

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  15. Mayuri PatelDecember 16, 2019 at 6:43 AM

    I love phirni and they make a great dessert for parties too as one can make them a day ahead. Kesar phirni so aromatic and flavourful.

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  16. Mehr SaffronJune 30, 2021 at 3:24 AM

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    ReplyDelete