Gulkand Phirni Recipe


Gulkand Phirni Recipe



20min
2-3 people
10 mins




 

Introduction:

 

Picture this: It's a warm summer evening, and the air is filled with the fragrance of blooming roses. That's when I first discovered the divine taste of Gulkand Phirni. It was during a family gathering, and my aunt, an avid cook and enthusiast of traditional Indian desserts, unveiled her secret recipe. As I took my first spoonful, I was transported to a realm of sweetness and floral notes that I had never experienced before. Since then, Gulkand Phirni has held a special place in my heart, reminding me of cherished moments and the joy of indulging in culinary delights.

 

 

 

Recipe of Gulkand Phirni

 

Ingredients:

 

  • 1 litre Milk
  • 1 cup Vermicelli (Semiya)
  • ½ cup Ghee (Clarified Butter)
  • ½ cup chopped Mixed Dry Fruits (Cashew, Almond, Chironji, Pistachios)
  • 1 tsp Cardamom Powder
  • Saffron (soaked in a small amount of water)
  • 1 tsp Kewra Water
  • ½ cup Sugar
  • 1 tbsp Raisins (Kismis)
  • ½ cup chopped Dates
  • Gulkand (Rose petal jam)
  • Rose Syrup
  • Diced green apples (for garnish)

 

 

Method:

 

  1. Soak the vermicelli in water for 2-3 hours, then grind it to a coarse paste.
  2. In a pan, add milk and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, stir occasionally and add condensed milk followed by the vermicelli paste.
  3. Stir occasionally over medium flame until the mixture thickens, ensuring the rice is cooked and incorporated well into the milk.
  4. Add sugar and cardamom powder as the mixture thickens.
  5. Once the phirni is cooked and thickened, turn off the flame, then add gulkand, rose syrup, soaked saffron, and kewra water. Mix well and let it cool completely.
  6. Dice some green apples and place them at the bottom of serving glasses. Pour the phirni mixture over the apples.
  7. Garnish with more diced apples, pistachios, and any other dry fruits of your choice.
  8. Serve and enjoy!

 

 

For the semolina garnish:

 

  1. Sprinkle some sugar on the sautéed vermicelli that was set aside for garnishing. This will add flavor to the dish.
  2. Once the semolina is done, take a plate, pour the milk mixture, and then add the cooked semolina on top.
  3. Garnish with the sautéed semolina, dry fruits, and chopped dates.
  4. Serve and enjoy!

 

 

 

About the Recipe:

 

Gulkand Phirni is a luxurious Indian dessert that combines the richness of creamy rice pudding with the delicate flavors of Gulkand, a sweet preserve made from rose petals. This delectable treat is prepared by slow-cooking ground rice with milk until thick and creamy, then flavored with Gulkand and aromatic spices like cardamom and saffron. The addition of chopped nuts and rose petals enhances both the texture and visual appeal of this dessert, making it a delightful finale to any meal.

 

 

Cooking Tips:

 

  1. Use short-grain rice: Opt for short-grain rice varieties like Basmati or Arborio, as they release more starch during cooking, resulting in a creamier Phirni texture.
  2. Soak the rice: Soak the rice in water for at least 30 minutes before grinding to soften it, which helps achieve a smoother consistency in the Phirni.
  3. Simmer on low heat: Cook the Phirni on low heat, stirring frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and ensuring even cooking.
  4. Add Gulkand at the end: Incorporate the Gulkand into the Phirni towards the end of the cooking process to preserve its delicate flavor and aroma.
  5. Chill thoroughly: Allow the prepared Phirni to cool completely before refrigerating to set properly. Chilling also enhances the flavors and thickens the consistency.
  6. Garnish creatively: Garnish the chilled Gulkand Phirni with a sprinkle of chopped nuts, edible rose petals, and a drizzle of rose syrup for an elegant presentation.

 

 

Pairing Guide:

 

Gulkand Phirni pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments and beverages, such as:

 

  • Pistachio or almond cookies
  • Fresh fruit salad with a hint of rose water
  • Rose-flavored lassi or buttermilk
  • Warm gulab jamun or rasgulla
  • Cardamom-infused chai or masala tea
  • Saffron-flavored kulfi or ice cream

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Gulkand Phirni:

 

  1. What is Gulkand Phirni? Gulkand Phirni is a traditional Indian rice pudding infused with Gulkand, a sweet preserve made from rose petals. It is flavored with aromatic spices like cardamom and saffron, offering a delightful blend of creamy texture and floral sweetness.

  2. How is Gulkand Phirni different from regular Phirni? Gulkand Phirni differs from regular Phirni by the addition of Gulkand, which imparts a unique floral flavor and aroma to the dessert. It also often includes chopped nuts and rose petals for added texture and visual appeal.

  3. Can I use any type of rice to make Gulkand Phirni? While traditionally made with short-grain rice like Basmati or Arborio, you can experiment with different rice varieties to achieve your desired texture and flavor in Gulkand Phirni.

  4. Is Gulkand Phirni served hot or cold? Gulkand Phirni is typically served chilled after being refrigerated to allow it to set properly. However, you can enjoy it warm if preferred.

  5. How long does Gulkand Phirni last in the refrigerator? Gulkand Phirni can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container. Make sure to consume it within this timeframe for the best taste and quality.

  6. Can I make Gulkand Phirni without Gulkand? While Gulkand adds a distinctive flavor to the Phirni, you can omit it if unavailable or substitute it with rose water or rose essence for a similar floral taste.

  7. Can I make Gulkand Phirni vegan-friendly? Yes, you can make a vegan version of Gulkand Phirni by using plant-based milk alternatives like almond milk or coconut milk and replacing dairy-based ingredients with vegan alternatives.

  8. Can I make Gulkand at home? Yes, you can make Gulkand at home by layering rose petals with sugar in a clean, airtight jar and allowing them to ferment naturally for several weeks. Stir occasionally and store in a cool, dark place.

  9. What are the health benefits of Gulkand Phirni? Gulkand Phirni offers the nutritional benefits of rice and milk, including carbohydrates, protein, calcium, and vitamins. The addition of Gulkand may also provide antioxidant properties and aid in digestion.

  10. Can I garnish Gulkand Phirni with any other toppings? Yes, apart from chopped nuts and rose petals, you can garnish Gulkand Phirni with edible silver or gold leaf, dried fruits like raisins or apricots, or a drizzle of honey for added sweetness and elegance.