It’s always befitting to end a meal with a delectable and scrumptious dessert. We, as food connoisseurs, also crave for something sweet after a heavy meal. What’s better if the sweet dish served is phirni!
The classic sweet milky dessert when served chilled takes any gourmet on cloud nine. Be a family get-together or festive occasion or wedding ceremony, phirni has been a popular dessert since time immemorial. It is relished by people of different cultures and cuisines which makes it timeless. Even top Colorado Springs fine dining restaurant serve it to delight food lovers.
It’s the taste and ingredients that make it so special. In the dish, condensed milk is flavored with rose water, kawra essence, dry fruits, saffron, pistachios, and cardamom with almonds, cashews, and raisins garnished on top. The soft texture of the delicacy simply melts into the mouth and brings on a smile on every food lover’s face. Despite being a popular dessert, many of us are unaware of its origin or don’t know where it was made for the first time. Let’s find it out!
Phirni and its real origin
Despite the dearth of evidence, it is believed that phirni hailed from ancient Persia or Middle East and it’s the Mughals who both invented and introduced it to India. The Mughal Empire relished the regal milk-based dish and made it popular. It is also backed by studies which say that the rich, milky, nutty and aromatic rice pudding in earthen bowls is a Mughal legacy.
It was found that in Persia where Phirini is believed to have originated used the creamy rice pudding as the food of angels and was known as Sheer Birinj. It was first offered to Prophet Muhammad when he soared to 7th floor of heaven to meet God.
Phirini and its versions
In India, phirni has many versions with kheer and payasam being the popular ones. In Iran, the rich indulgence is known as Fereni while in Egypt and Turkey the sinful delicacy is called Muhallabia.
In Europe, the rice pudding was first introduced by the Romans as early as 17th century who mainly used it to cure stomach ailments and digestion issues. They were considered as rice pottages where rice was boiled and mixed with cow’s milk and then sugar to lend it a sweet taste.
In China the delicacy was called “The Chinese eight jewel rice pudding” as it was made with eight different kinds of exotic fruits and honey. Some of the eight fruits used in the glutinous sugary delight are walnuts, almonds, winter melon, lychees, maraschino cherries, and jujubes.
Are you looking to relish Phirni? Step into Urban Tandoor. The premium Colorado Springs fine dining restaurant will offer you the best phirni made of freshest of ingredients and crafted to perfection by the expert chefs. You can also get a customized version of the sweet dish at the restaurant and get it prepared as per your taste.