Kesar Firni - Rice Custard

Firni in Marathi

Time: 20 minutes
Makes: 5 servings

Ingredients:
6 tbsp basmati rice
5 cups milk
1/2 cup sugar
3 pinches saffron
3 pinches Cardamom powder
8 Almonds
8 Pistachio

Method:
1) Soak basmati rice in sufficient water for 2 to 3 hours. Soak almonds and pistachio separately.
2) Drain water from the rice. Grind the soaked rice and make paste (I kept it little grainy). Use little water while grinding.
3) Mix rice paste and milk together. Boil into heavy bottom pan on medium heat. Keep stirring as rice grains tend to stick at the bottom of the pan. Stir for approx 7-8 minutes.
4) Once rice gets cooked, it won't stick at the bottom. At this moment add sugar and saffron. Stir occasionally. Let the firni cook over low heat for 5 to 8 minutes.
5) Firni will become thick like idli batter. At that time, turn off the heat. Add cardamom powder and mix. Peel the almonds and pistachios. Make thin slices.
6) Pour Firni into small clay-pots or serving bowls. Garnish with almonds and pistachios.
Keep in the refrigerator for atleast 2 hours. Serve chilled.

Tips:
Tips:
1) If you feel that firni is too thick while cooking, then add some milk and simmer for few minutes to adjust the consistency.
2) Firni becomes more thick after refrigerating. Hence, the consistency shouldn't be too thick when you cook firni.
3) To get more texture, add (soaked) almond-pistachio slices in the firni while cooking.