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Bajra Phirni (Pearl Millet Kheer-Style Pudding)

Chef Ruchika Jain
A rich and creamy phirni made with bajra (pearl millet), slow-cooked in milk, sweetened with condensed milk, and flavored with saffron and cardamom. This comforting, traditional Indian dessert is a nutritious twist on classic rice phirni, best served chilled and topped with sliced almonds and pistachios.
Course Dessert
Cuisine Indian, Indian Traditional

Ingredients
  

  • ¼ cup bajra pearl millet
  • cups water
  • litres full-fat milk
  • 100 g Milkmaid sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 green cardamom pods
  • ¼ tsp cardamom powder
  • 8 –10 saffron strands
  • 1 tbsp pistachios thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp almonds thinly sliced

Instructions
 

  • Rinse the bajra well and soak overnight or for at least 5–6 hours.
  • Drain and cook the soaked bajra in 1¼ cups water with green cardamom pods until soft (or pressure cook for 3 whistles).
  • Let it cool slightly and remove the cardamom pods.
  • Lightly pulse the cooked bajra in a mixer 2–3 times to get a coarse texture.
  • Bring the milk to a boil in a heavy-bottomed pan and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the ground bajra to the simmering milk and cook on low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring frequently, until thick and creamy.
  • Stir in the Milkmaid and let it cook for another 2–3 minutes.
  • Add soaked saffron and cardamom powder, and mix well.
  • Add half of the sliced almonds and pistachios, reserving the rest for garnish.
  • Pour into serving bowls or clay pots, garnish with the remaining dry fruits, and refrigerate for 2–3 hours.
  • Serve chilled.
Keyword Bajra, Dessert, Kheer, Millet, Phirni