Silky Rose-Infused Ground-Rice Custard

Name: Silky Rose-Infused Ground-Rice Custard (Gulab Phirni)
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 cup pitted dates, finely chopped; ¼ cup short-grain rice (or basmati), soaked for 30 minutes and drained; ¼ cup short-grain rice (or basmati), soaked for 30 minutes and drained; 3 cups plus 2 tablespoons whole milk; 1 pinch saffron strands; 1 tablespoon rose water (gulab jal); 1 tablespoon rose water (gulab jal); ¼ cup chopped mixed nuts (pistachios and almonds), for garnish; ¼ cup chopped mixed nuts (pistachios and almonds), for garnish; ¼ cup chopped mixed nuts (pistachios and almonds), for garnish

Gulab Phirni

Preparation info

Yield:
6 to 8
servings

Difficulty
Easy

Appears in

Everyday Indian from Archana’s Kitchen

By Archana Doshi

Published 2026

About

A royal North Indian dessert, Gulab Phirni is a thick and creamy rice pudding flavored with rose water and saffron, traditionally served in earthenware bowls. This dish reminds me of weddings and grand celebrations, where the subtle floral aroma of rose-infused phirni makes every bite feel indulgent!

Ingredients

Dates

1 cup pitted dates, finely chopped
½ cup hot whole milk

Asia
India
Dessert
Vegetarian
Gluten-free
Wedding/Marriage

Method

To make the dates: Soak the dates in ½ cup of hot milk for 30 minutes. Set aside.

To make the rice: In a blender, pulse the rice with 2 tablespoons of milk until the rice is a grainy semolina-like consistency. The grains should feel coarse between your fingers.

In a large saucepan over medium heat, bring 3 cups of milk to a brisk boil. Add the rice and saffron while whisking con