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Aromatic Indian Cardamom Phirni with Saffron Threads

Name: Aromatic Indian Cardamom Phirni with Saffron Threads
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients: 1/4 cup basmati rice, washed and soaked for 30 minutes; 1 liter whole milk; 1/2 cup sugar; 4 cardamom pods, crushed; 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom; A pinch of saffron threads, soaked in 2 tablespoons warm milk; 2 tablespoons rose water; 10-15 pistachios, slivered; 1 tablespoon edible rose petals, (optional)

This traditional North Indian dessert is a luscious rice pudding enriched with fragrant cardamom and a hint of saffron for an exquisite finish. Perfectly sweet and comfortingly creamy, it’s an indulge

4.9(240 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·September 6, 2025

Aromatic Indian Cardamom Phirni with Saffron Threads — Dessert served and photographed from above

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 h 30 min

Difficulty

Easy

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Rice Base

For Aromatics

For Garnishing

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 328 kcal
Protein: 9.81 g
Carbs: 48.68 g
Fat: 10.91 g
Fiber: 0.63 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 1311 kcal
Protein: 39.24 g
Carbs: 194.7 g
Fat: 43.62 g
Fiber: 2.5 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
1/4 cup basmati rice washed and soaked for 30 minutes	182	3.5	39	0.3	0.5
1 liter whole milk	640	32	48	36	0
1/2 cup sugar	387	0	100	0	0
4 cardamom pods crushed	8	0.3	2	0.2	0.6
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom	4	0.1	1	0.1	0.3
A pinch of saffron threads soaked in 2 tablespoons warm milk	1	0.04	0.2	0.02	0
2 tablespoons rose water	0	0	0	0	0
10-15 pistachios slivered	86	3.2	4	7	1
1 tablespoon edible rose petals (optional)	3	0.1	0.5	0	0.1

These nutrition estimates are not intended as dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Rice for Phirni

1
Grind Rice
Drain the soaked rice and grind it to a coarse paste using a small amount of water.
2
Boil Milk
Heat milk in a heavy-bottomed pan until it comes to a gentle boil.
3
Add Rice Paste
Gradually add the rice paste to the boiling milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.

Infusing with Aromatics

1
Add Spices and Sugar
Add crushed cardamom pods and sugar to the boiling milk and rice mixture.
2
Simmer
Reduce heat and let simmer, stirring occasionally until the phirni thickens.
Tip: Continuously stir the mixture to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
3
Finish with Saffron and Rose Water
Stir in the saffron-infused milk and rose water just before removing from heat.
Tip: Chill the phirni completely for a decadent, refreshing treat.

How to Make Aromatic Indian Cardamom Phirni with Saffron Threads

Total time: 2 h · Yields 4 servings

1
Simmer and Stir
Continuously stir the mixture to reach the desired creamy consistency.
2
Infuse Flavor
Add rose water and soaked saffron for the rich, authentic taste.
3
Chill & Set
Allow it to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until set.