Firni

Name: Firni
Ingredients: 6 cups Whole Milk; 5 tblsp Cornstarch; 1 1/2 cups Sugar; 1/2 tsp Ground Cardomom; 1 tsp Rose water; Handful Almonds; Handful Pistachio

Dessert

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Firni is a classic for good reason — whole milk does most of the work, and the method is simple enough for a weeknight. Sweet without being heavy, it works just as well for an afternoon treat as for dessert. Below you will find the full ingredient list, the method, and a few tips we think make the difference.

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Level Easy

Ingredients

Method

Pour 1 cup of milk into a small bowl, add the cornstarch and whisk them well until smooth.
Pour the rest of the milk into a non-stick saucepan, adding the sugar and cardamom (and rosewater, if desired) whilst cooking over medium heat.
Before it starts to boil, slowly add the milk and cornstarch mixture to the pan, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture increases in thickness.
Take the pan off the heat and pour into a large shallow serving bowl. Let it cool at room temperature, and then put in the refrigerator for about 1 – 2 hours.
Finally, sprinkle your Firni with sliced almonds and pistachios and serve!

Tips for the best Firni

Read the whole method before you start and measure out the 7 ingredients first — it keeps the pace relaxed once the heat is on.
Taste as you go. Seasoning at the end is fine, but adjusting halfway through gives a more balanced result.
Do not crowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed so everything browns instead of steaming.
Rest the finished dish for a few minutes before serving — it lets the flavours settle and the texture firm up.

Variations

Spicier version: add a pinch of chilli flakes or a sliced fresh chilli with the aromatics.
Vegetable boost: stir in a handful of spinach, peas or diced peppers in the last few minutes of cooking.

Serving ideas

Serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoon of thick cream.

Storage

Keeps in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days, or refrigerated for up to a week. Most versions freeze well for 2 months.

Frequently asked questions

Is this Firni recipe easy to make?

It is rated easy: 7 ingredients and 5 steps. Follow the order and the tips above and it is very forgiving.

What can I substitute for whole milk?

Any ingredient with a similar texture and cooking time works; see the variations below for ideas. Keep quantities the same and adjust seasoning at the end.

Can I make Firni ahead of time?

You can prep all the ingredients a day ahead and keep them covered in the fridge, then cook just before serving for the best texture.

Recipe data via TheMealDB — source