Gil-E-Firdaus Recipe (Kesar Phirni)

Step 1: To begin making the Gil-E-Firdaus recipe, for making ground rice, wash and drain and let the rice rest for around 30 minutes

Step 2: In a grinder add rice and grind it coarsely and keep aside

Step 3: Heat milk in a thick bottomed vessel

Step 4: As soon as the milk comes to a boil, add saffron and grounded rice and stir well

Step 5: Break lumps if any

Step 6: Keep stirring in medium to low heat to avoid getting burnt

Step 7: Add cardamom powder and chopped dry fruits except raisins

Step 8: We shall add raisins at the end to avoid milk getting separate

Step 9: Keep stirring till the rice gets cooked and milk becomes thick and creamy

Step 10: Scratch the sides of the vessel with a spatula to remove the thick cream accumulated

Step 11: Drop that cream in the milk, that will make it more rick and creamy

Step 12: Now add sugar to and stir well

Step 13: You may suddenly find the milk getting a thin, but that's okay as sugar has a tendency to leave water

Step 14: Cook the phirni for another few minutes till you get the required consistency

Step 15: Turn off the flames and allow it to cool at room temperature

Step 16: Transfer it to the serving bowls, cups or glasses and refrigerate it till chilled

Step 17: Garnish each serving with chopped almonds, pistachios, saffron and dried rose petals and serve chilled

Step 18: Serve Gil-E-Firdaus on festivals or as a dessert after your festive Diwali meal