Zafrani Phirni | Kesar Badam Firni – Creamy & Festive Saffron-Almond Dessert
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Zafrani Phirni/Kesar Badam Phirni – Indulge in the richness of saffron and almonds |
Celebrate Ramadan with the Rich and Decadent Zafrani Phirni
Celebrate the holy month of Ramadan with a Mughal delicacy – the rich, fragrant, and utterly delicious Zafrani Phirni.
Ramadan is a time for reflection, togetherness, and, of course, indulging in time-honoured festive treats! And what better way to celebrate than with a bowl of rich, aromatic, and utterly decadent Zafrani Phirni? This saffron-infused rice pudding is a Mughal-inspired delicacy, blending the creamy goodness of milk with the luxurious touch of almonds and saffron. A dessert fit for royalty!
Best traditional Eid Phirni recipe
For me, Phirni (or Firni) is synonymous with Eid. It instantly brings back heartwarming memories of our kind neighbours in India, who never failed to send over delicious treats during Ramadan. Their Phirni paired with the famous Nombu Kanji, Mutton Biryani, and spicy Brinjal Curry was a feast we eagerly awaited.
Easy homemade Zafrani Phirni
Phirni is a simple yet elegant dessert made with rice and milk. The first time I tasted it, I mistook the base for semolina, only to learn later that it was powdered rice – the magic behind its creamy texture. This recipe, taught to me by our neighbour’s grandmother during my college days, is my go-to version. It’s a foolproof recipe, with no shortcuts or alterations. Trust me, sticking to the exact measurements ensures a perfectly creamy and fragrant dessert every time.
What Makes Zafrani Phirni Special?
Zafrani Phirni, also known as Shahi Firni, takes the humble Phirni to a whole new level of decadence. This royal dessert is enhanced with almond paste, cooked with milk and saffron, and lavishly garnished with slivered nuts, rose petals, and saffron strands. The result? A dessert that’s fit for royalty and lives up to its name – Zafrani (saffron-infused) or Shahi (royal) Phirni!
Phirni’s origins are rooted in the Middle East, and its popularity extends to Lebanese, Moroccan, and Afghani cuisines. Over time, innovative variations have emerged, from Pista Firni and Mango Firni to Rose Firni and Saffron Firni. Each version carries its own unique charm, but the classic Zafrani Phirni remains unmatched in richness and flavour.
Craving more delightful variations of Phirni? From the Classic Firni/Phirni to modern twists like Mango Firni and Rose Firni, we’ve got it all! Click here to discover a world of creamy, Phirni Recipes!
Zafrani Phirni Recipe Overview
- Cuisine - Indian
- Recipe Type - Sweet, Dessert
- Difficulty - Medium
- Serves - 3–4
- Author - SM
Time Estimate
- Soaking Time - 2 Hours
- Preparation Time - 30–40 Minutes
- Cooking Time - 30–45 Minutes
Zafrani Firni -Authentic Mughlai Phirni with Saffron and Almonds
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Zafrani Phirni/Kesar Badam Firni – Elegant and aromatic rice pudding |
Ingredients for Zafrani Phirni (Kesar Badam Firni)
For the Phirni:
For Garnishing:
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Zafrani Phirni /Kesar Badam Firni – Luxurious dessert |
Method: How to Make Zafrani Phirni (Kesar Badam Firni)
Preparing the Ingredients
- Roast & Soak Saffron – Dry roast saffron strands for a few seconds, then soak in 1 tablespoon warm milk and set aside.
- Blanch Almonds – Soak almonds overnight or blanch them in hot water, then peel and reserve a few for garnishing.
- Grind Almond Paste – Grind the remaining almonds into a coarse paste and keep aside.
- Prepare Nuts – Chop or sliver reserved almonds, cashews, and pistachios for garnishing.
- Soak & Dry Rice – Wash and soak rice for 2 hours, then drain and spread on a kitchen towel for 30 minutes to dry.
- Powder the Rice – Pulse the dried rice in a mixer to make a coarse powder (not too fine!).
- Mix with Cold Milk – Combine rice powder and almond paste with cold milk, stirring well to avoid lumps.
Cooking the Phirni
- Boil Milk – In a heavy-bottomed pan, bring the remaining milk to a boil.
- Add Rice-Almond Mixture – Gradually pour the rice-almond mix into the boiling milk, stirring continuously.
- Cook Slowly – Simmer on low flame for 10–15 minutes, stirring to prevent lumps.
- Add Sugar & Flavouring – Once the rice is fully cooked, stir in sugar and cardamom powder.
- Infuse Saffron – Pour in the saffron-soaked milk and mix well.
- Drizzle Kewra Essence – Add a few drops of kewra essence (optional) for an aromatic touch.
- Adjust Consistency – Cook until desired thickness is achieved.
- Chill & Serve – Let Phirni cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for a few hours.
- Garnish & Enjoy – Serve chilled, garnished with nuts, rose petals, and saffron strands.
Looking for more festive Eid treats? Check out our collection of Traditional Eid Recipes here!
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Zafrani Phirni/Kesar Badam Firni – Perfect for festive celebrations. |
Pro Tips & Notes
- Rice Selection: Use long-grained rice like Basmati or Jasmine for the best aroma. If using regular rice, add kewra essence for a fragrant touch.
- Texture: Soaking and coarsely grinding the rice ensures the perfect creamy consistency.
- Alternative Grinding Methods: Some prefer grinding the rice into a paste or fine powder—choose your preferred method.
- Lump-Free Phirni: Always mix powdered rice with cold milk before adding to the hot milk to prevent lumps.
- Cooking Tip: Stir continuously while cooking to avoid burning or sticking at the bottom.
- Sweetness: Adjust sugar according to your preference.
- Variations: Skip almonds for a simpler version, or add Gulkand (rose preserve) or rose essence for Rose/Gulab Phirni.
For more Mughlai Recipes, explore a wide collection of royal delicacies, here...
FAQs – Zafrani Phirni vs Regular Phirni
What is the difference between Zafrani Phirni and Regular Phirni?
Regular Phirni is a simple rice pudding made with ground rice, milk, sugar, and cardamom. Zafrani Phirni, on the other hand, is a royal variation enriched with saffron (zafran/kesar) and almonds, giving it a luxurious aroma, golden hue, and richer taste.
How is Phirni different from Kheer?
Phirni and Kheer may seem similar, but they have key differences:
- Phirni is made with coarsely ground rice and always served chilled. Phirni has a thicker & creamier consistency.
- Kheer is made with whole rice grains and is served hot or cold. And Kheer is liquidy compared to Firni.
Can I make Phirni without saffron?
- Absolutely! While saffron adds a royal touch, you can skip it and enjoy classic Phirni. For variations, try Rose Phirni, Mango Phirni, or Pista Phirni.
Why is my Phirni lumpy?
- Lumps form when ground rice is added directly to hot milk. Always mix rice powder with cold milk first, then add it gradually to boiling milk while stirring continuously.
Can Phirni be made ahead of time?
- Yes! Phirni tastes best when chilled for a few hours, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for festive occasions.
Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings
Zafrani Phirni is a royal treat, best served chilled in earthen bowls for an authentic touch. Elevate your festive spread by pairing it with these classic delights:
- Festive Feasts: Enjoy Phirni as the grand finale to a lavish meal of Mutton Biriyani, Nombu Kanji, Ghee-laden Parathas or Shahi Tukda.
- Crispy Companions: Serve with Namak Pare or Namkeens for an indulgent contrast.
- Tea-Time Bliss: Pair with a cup of Turk Kahwesi (Turkish Coffee), Sulaimani Chai, or Masala Chai for a cosy, aromatic experience.
- Phirni Variations: Love this? Try Rose Phirni, Mango Phirni, or Pista Phirni for a delicious twist!
Looking for more Mughlai Desserts? Click here to explore
Zafrani Phirni is a rich and aromatic saffron-infused dessert, perfect for Eid, Ramadan, and other festive celebrations. The rich flavours of saffron, almonds, and cardamom make it a true Mughal delicacy. Serve it chilled in earthen bowls for an authentic touch, and enjoy the creamy goodness with family and friends!
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