Badam Phirni is a luscious, creamy dessert made with ground rice, almonds (badam), and milk, slow-cooked to perfection and flavored with aromatic cardamom and saffron. This traditional North Indian dessert(Badam Phirni Recipe) is often prepared during festivals and special occasions.
Badam Phirni is served chilled in earthen bowls (matka) to enhance its authentic flavor and make it a delightful sweet treat for every palate. The addition of almonds not only adds richness but also gives the dessert a slightly nutty texture, making it a perfect dessert for festive celebrations.
Recipe Category : Indian Dessert (Sweet)
Badam Phirni Recipe Ingredients
- ¼ cup basmati rice (soaked for 30 minutes)
- 4 cups full-fat milk
- ¼ cup almonds (blanched and peeled)
- ½ cup sugar (as per taste)
- ½ tsp cardamom powder
- 1 pinch saffron strands (optional)
- 1 tbsp rose water (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped almonds and pistachios (for garnish)
How To Make Badam Phirni
Preparing the Rice and Almond Paste
Soak the basmati rice in water for 30 minutes. Drain the water and grind the rice into a coarse paste with a little water or milk. Similarly, the almonds by soaking them in hot water for 10 minutes peel the skin, and grind them into a smooth paste. Set both pastes aside.
Heating the Milk
In a heavy-bottomed pan, bring the milk to a boil over medium heat. Once it boils, lower the heat and let the milk simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid scorching. This will thicken the milk slightly and enhance the creaminess of the phirni.
Cooking the Rice Paste
Slowly add the rice paste to the simmering milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Keep stirring until the rice is fully cooked and the mixture starts to thicken. This should take around 10-12 minutes.
Adding the Almond Paste and Sugar
Once the rice is cooked, add the almond paste to the mixture and stir well. Let the mixture cook for another 5 minutes until the almond paste blends smoothly with the rice. Add the sugar and cardamom powder, stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves completely. If using saffron, soak in a tablespoon saffron of warm milk and add it at this stage for a rich color and flavor.
Final Touches
Once the phirni reaches a creamy, pudding-like consistency, remove it from the heat. Add rose water if you prefer a fragrant touch. Stir well and let the phirni cool slightly.
Serving the Badam Phirni
Pour the phirni into small earthen bowls or serving dishes. Garnish with chopped almonds, pistachios, and a few saffron strands on top. Refrigerate the phirni for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to set and the dessert to chill.
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Pro Tips for Perfect Badam Phirni
- Soaking the rice and almonds is key to achieving a smooth texture.
- Use full-fat milk for a creamier and richer phirni.
- Stir the phirni continuously while cooking to avoid lumps and ensure even cooking.
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Conclusion
Badam Phirni is a delightful blend of creamy richness and subtle sweetness, with the added goodness of almonds. Its smooth texture and delicate flavors make it a perfect dessert for any special occasion. Serve Badam Phirni in traditional earthen bowls and enjoy the comforting, royal taste of this classic Indian sweet!