The festival of Raksha Bandhan is approaching, and such a special occasion calls for a special homemade dessert. You might want to try making Kesar-Pista Phirni (Saffron-Pistachio Phirni). Made with rice, milk, saffron, and nuts, this dish tastes truly royal yet is quite easy to prepare. Let’s look at the simple recipe for making Kesar-Pista Phirni.

Kesar-Pista Phirni Recipe

Total Time: 70 mins
Preparation Time: 10 mins
Cooking Time: 60 mins
Course: Dessert
Calories: 250
Servings: 2 people
Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients for Kesar-Pista Phirni:
Full-cream milk - 1 liter
Basmati rice - 1/4 cup
Sugar - 1/2 cup
Saffron - 15-20 strands
Pistachios - 2 tablespoons
Cashews and almonds - 2 tablespoons
Green cardamom powder - 1/2 teaspoon
Rose water or Kewra water - 1 teaspoon

Method for making Kesar-Pista Phirni:

First, wash the rice thoroughly and soak it in water for half an hour. Afterward, drain the water, let the rice dry slightly, and grind it coarsely in a mixer.

Now, pour the milk into a heavy-bottomed vessel and place it on medium heat to boil; once it comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low.

Gradually add the coarsely ground rice to the boiling milk while stirring continuously.

Continue cooking the Phirni on low heat until the rice is fully cooked and the mixture begins to thicken.

Keep stirring occasionally, scraping the bottom of the vessel, to prevent it from sticking.

Once the rice is cooked and the milk starts thickening to a *Rabri*-like consistency, add the saffron-infused milk (saffron soaked in a little milk), sugar, cardamom powder, and half of the chopped pistachios, cashews, and almonds. Mix well and cook for another 4-5 minutes. Finally, add rose water or kewra water and turn off the heat.

Let the phirni cool down slightly. Then, pour it into earthen cups (kulhads), garnish with dry fruits, and serve.

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