This dessert brings together the floral flavours and creaminess of rose phirni with the elegant layered presentation of a parfait. Instead of serving phirni plainly, which in itself is great, it is layered like a classic parfait with whipped cream and crunchy bits like biscuits. You get softness, crispiness and a range of textures, which is a delight to savour.
Ingredients
UNITSIngredients
For rose phirni base:
2 tbspBasmati Rice
½ litreMilk (plus extra, as needed)
½ cupSugar
as neededRose essence or rose syrup
3 tbspPistachios (chopped)
2 tbspAlmonds (chopped)
2 tbspCashews (chopped)
For parfait assembly:
1 cupWhipped cream or chilled heavy cream
½ cupCrushed biscuits or graham crackers
for garnishFresh rose petals or dried rose buds
for toppingExtra chopped nuts (pistachios, almonds)
Coarsely grind the basmati rice in a blender and set aside.
Take a saucepan and bring ½ litre of milk to a boil.
Add the coarse rice powder to the milk, stirring to avoid lumps.
Cook on low heat until the rice is fully cooked and the mixture thickens.
Add sugar and rose essence (or rose syrup), stir well.
Fold in the chopped pistachios, almonds, and cashews.
Let the mixture cool slightly, then chill in the refrigerator until set or cold.
Description - Step 2
Step 2: Prepare whipped cream layer
Whip the chilled heavy cream (or use readymade whipped cream) until soft peaks form.
You can fold in a few drops of rose syrup for a subtle colour and flavour.
Description - Step 3
Step 3: Prepare the crumb layer
Crush the biscuits (or use nuts) into coarse crumbs.
Keep some extra chopped nuts aside for topping.
Description - Step 4
Step 4: Assembling the parfait
For each parfait glass, layer (from bottom to top) in this sequence: 1-2 tbsp crushed biscuit or crumbs, then 2-3 tbsp chilled rose phirni, 1-2 tbsp whipped cream, another thin layer of crumbs (if desired), more phirni, whipped cream top.
Repeat layers, if height permits. Garnish the top with chopped nuts and a few rose petals or dried rose buds.
(Optional) Drizzle a tiny amount of rose syrup over the top.
Description - Step 5
Step 5: Chill and serve the parfait
Refrigerate the assembled parfaits for at least 30 minutes, so the layers set and flavours blossom.