• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Whisk Affair
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Indian Recipes
  • Meal Type
    • Salads
    • Soups
    • Appetizers
    • Main Course
    • Desserts
  • My Cookbook
    • My E-Books
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Indian Summer Beverages
  • Buy my Cookbook
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Whisk Affair » Recipes » Indian Sweets & desserts » Kesar Makhana Phirni

    Published: Mar 28, 2022 | Last Updated On: Jan 11, 2023 by Neha Mathur | This post may contain affiliate links. I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Kesar Makhana Phirni

    17 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    Kesar Makhana Phirni is a delicious twist on the classic Phirni recipe where instead of rice, roasted makhana (foxnuts) are added to milk. It is a perfect recipe to make for festivals, special occasions, and vrat (Hindu fasting days) (Vegetarian, Gluten-Free).

    Here are some more variations of Phirni that you may like – Thandai Phirni, Mango Phirni, and Traditional Phirni.

    Kesar makhana phirni served in a clay bowl.
    Jump to:
    • About Kesar Makhana Phirni
    • Ingredients
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Storage Suggestions
    • You Might Also Like
    • Recipe Card

    About Kesar Makhana Phirni

    Kesar Makhana Phirni is a delicious take on the classic Phirni recipe where instead of rice, roasted and crushed makhana (foxnuts) are added to it.

    The Phirni is flavored with saffron strands (kesar) which also gives it a lovely color.

    It is popularly served for festivals, special occasions, and vrat days (Hindu fasting).

    You can double or triple the recipe if making for a bigger crowd.

    This recipe is vegetarian and gluten-free.

    Ingredients

    Ghee – Use ghee to roast the makhana for the best result. You can replace ghee with coconut oil for a vegan option.

    Makhana – Makhana, also known as fox nuts or lotus seeds are easily available at any Indian grocery store or even at online grocery portals.

    They are a superfood loaded with many health benefits. This sweet dish is a great way to include them in your everyday diet.

    Milk – Use whole milk (full-fat milk) for the rich and creamy texture.

    For a vegan version, you can use any plant-based milk such as almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk.

    Saffron – Use good quality saffron strands.

    Sugar – Adjust it according to your taste and preference.

    Cardamom Powder – If you don’t have cardamom powder, crush the green cardamom seeds to use in the phirni.

    Nuts – Garnish it with slivered nuts such as almonds and pistachios. You can also top it with some dried rose petals to make it look appealing.

    Serving Suggestions

    Makhana Phirni is always served chilled.

    I would recommend you serve phirni in earthen bowls, as they absorb the extra moisture and makes the phirni thicker and creamier.

    If you do not have earthen bowls, you can serve it in regular serving bowls. Do not forget to garnish it with slivered nuts and dried rose petals before serving.

    Storage Suggestions

    Makhana Phirni can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days.

    If you want to store them in earthen bowls, then cover each bowl with cling wrap and refrigerate.

    You Might Also Like

    • Farali Arbi Fry (Vrat Wali Sookhi Arbi) is a stir-fry made using taro roots that can be served for vrat (Hindu fasting days). Make this easy recipe using simple ingredients (gluten-free, can be easily made vegan).
      Farali Arbi Fry (Vrat Wali Sookhi Arbi)
    • Makhana Raita is a refreshing Indian side dish that can be served with any Indian meal. It is also vrat (Hindu fasting days) friendly. Here is how to make it.
      Phool Makhana Raita
    • Orange Kheer (Santre Ki Kheer, Bengali Kheer Komola) is a delicious rice pudding flavored with fresh oranges. It is a great Indian dessert to make for festivals and special occasions.
      Orange Kheer (Bengali Komola Kheer)
    • Sabudana Thalipeeth (Sago Thalipeeth) is a crispy flatbread made using tapioca pearls or sabudana. It is a Maharashtrian dish and made for vrat (Hindu fasting days). Here is how to make it.
      Sabudana Thalipeeth (Sago Thalipeeth)

    Recipe Card

    Loved this recipe?Click here to leave a review and give us a five star rating ★★★★★
    Kesar Makhana Phirni is a delicious twist on the classic Phirni recipe where instead of rice, roasted makhana (foxnuts) are added to milk. It is a perfect recipe to make for festivals, special occasions, and vrat (Hindu fasting days). Here is how to make it.

    Kesar Makhana Phirni Recipe

    Kesar Makhana Phirni is a delicious twist on the classic Phirni recipe where instead of rice, roasted makhana (foxnuts) are added to milk. It is a perfect recipe to make for festivals, special occasions, and vrat (Hindu fasting days). Here is how to make it.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: Indian
    Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
    Prep Time: 2 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 50 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 52 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 144kcal
    Author: Neha Mathur

    Ingredients 

    • 2 tablespoons ghee (replace with coconut oil for vegan)
    • 2 cups makhana (fox nuts, lotus seeds)
    • 1 litre whole milk (full fat milk) (use plant-based milk for vegan)
    • 10-12 saffron strands
    • ¼ cup sugar (or to taste)
    • 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
    • almond & pistachio slivers (for garnishing)
    US Customary or Metric
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Heat ghee in a pan over medium heat.
    • Once the ghee is hot, add makhana and fry until they are crisp, stirring frequently (3-4 minutes).
    • Remove the pan from the heat and let the makhana cool down.
    • Add the roasted makhana to a ziplock bag and seal the bag.
    • Crush the makhana using a rolling pin to make a coarse powder. Set aside.
    • Heat milk in a pan over medium-high heat.
    • Once the milk comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low.
    • Add saffron strands to the pan and cook until the milk is reduced to almost half (15-20 minutes). Stir frequently to avoid scorching at the bottom of the pan.
    • Add the makhana powder to the milk and cook until the mixture reaches a thick custard-like consistency (15-20 minutes). Stir frequently throughout cooking.
    • Add sugar and cardamom powder and cook for another minute.
    • Remove the pan from the heat and transfer the phirni into clay serving bowls.
    • Chill the phirni for 3-4 hours. Garnish with almond and pistachio slivers and serve chilled.

    Notes

    You can double or triple the recipe if making for a bigger crowd.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 144kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 14mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 2mg
    Pin this recipe for later use!I LOVE to see your creations so pin and mention @WhiskAffair!
    Sign up for regular updates?I would love to have you as part of my journey. Click to sign up!

    More Sweets & Desserts Recipes

    • Semiya Payasam is a delicious South Indian dessert made using wheat vermicelli, milk, and sugar. Make this delicious sweet using my easy recipe (vegetarian).
      Semiya Payasam
    • Fruit Cream is an Indian dessert with fresh fruits added to a creamy base. This fruit salad with cream is super easy to make and tastes very refreshing. Make it using my easy recipe (vegetarian, gluten-free).
      Easy Indian Fruit Cream (Fruit Salad w/ Cream)
    • Shahi Tukda (Shahi Toast) is a Mughlai dessert made using deep-fried bread slices, reduced saffron flavored milk (rabdi), and sugar syrup. It is a perfect dessert for festivals and special occasions (vegetarian).
      Mughlai Shahi Tukda
    • Gajar Ka Halwa (Carrot Halwa) is a traditional Indian sweet dessert made with fresh red carrots, milk, and sugar. It's a winter delicacy and is popularly served at festivals, weddings and special occasions. Learn the traditional method to make this Indian dessert (vegetarian, gluten-free).
      Traditional Carrot Halwa (Gajar Ka Halwa) w/ Khoya

    Reader Interactions

    Did you make this recipe? Let me know! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hey! Nice to meet you

    Neha Mathur, Founder & Recipe Expert at Whisk Affair

    Hi! I'm Neha, Blogger & Recipe Expert behind Whisk Affair. I've nurtured Whisk Affair since 2012 by trying & testing every recipe published. Be sure that it will turn out good each time! Read More about me…

    Stay Connected

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    My Cookbook

    Neha's Cookbook Cover

    Click to Buy Now on Amazon

    Most Popular Recipes

    • Make this delicious restaurant-style Hibachi Fried Rice (Japanese Style Fried Rice) for a quick Asian-inspired meal. Serve it with Hibachi chicken and Yum Yum sauce and get transported to a Japanese Steakhouse.
      Best Hibachi Fried Rice (Japanese Style Fried Rice)
    • This oven-baked lemon garlic baked tilapia is super easy to make and comes together in under 20 minutes. It's low carb, gluten-free, keto-friendly, and very flavorful. Here is how to make it.
      Spicy Lemon Garlic Baked Tilapia
    • Creamy Garlic Parmesan sauce served in a bowl.
      Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
    • Lemon tea served in cups.
      Lemon Tea
    • Light, hearty and delicious, Chicken Clear Soup is super easy to make at home. It is made using simple ingredients and comes together in under 30 minutes. This soul-soothing soup is gluten-free and low carb too.
      Chicken Clear Soup
    • Egg White Scramble is a healthy, fluffy, and delicious option for breakfast. Serve it with some toast and fruits and milk on the side. Here is how to make the best fluffy scrambled egg white recipe at home!
      Scrambled Egg Whites

    Summer Mango Recipes

    • Kacche Aam Ki Launji is a sweet and spicy chutney made using tangy green mangoes, jaggery, and a few simple spices. This chutney keeps good in the refrigerator for upto 3 months. So make a big batch and enjoy!
      Kacche Aam Ki Launji (Sweet & Spicy Raw Mango Chutney)
    • Learn How To Make Mango Pulp in under 5 minutes and use it round the year to make your favorite recipes.
      How To Make Mango Pulp (Mango Puree)
    • Green mango chutney is a spicy and tangy Indian accompaniment made using green mangoes. Serve it with an Indian snack or meals for a tangy treat.
      Green Mango Chutney (Raw Mango Chutney)
    • This Easy Mango Pico De Gallo is fruity, sweet, and spicy and comes together in under 10 minutes using simple ingredients. Serve it with nachos, chips, rice, or tacos for a perfect summer special accompaniment (vegan, gluten-free).
      Easy Mango Pico De Gallo (Mango Salsa)
    • Mango Magic Tropical Smoothie is a delicious drink loaded with tropical flavors. Sip it for breakfast or for snacks (gluten-free, can be easily made vegan).
      Mango Magic Tropical Smoothie
    • Aam Panna (Tangy Raw Mango Drink) is a refreshing Indian summer beverage made using green raw mangoes. It is sweet, tangy, and bursting with beautiful flavors. Make it in an instant pot or a traditional pressure cooker (vegan, gluten-free).
      Aam Panna (Tangy Raw Mango Drink)

    Indian Beverages

    • Make Mango Frooti (a popular sweet and tangy mango drink) at home using my easy recipe. It tastes just like the store-bought one, minus the harmful colors and preservatives (vegan, gluten-free).
      Homemade Mango Frooti
    • Kokum Juice (Kokum Sharbat) is a Konkani beverage made using dried kokum. It is a perfect drink to sip on hot summer days (vegan, gluten-free).
      Kokum Juice (Kokum Sharbat)
    • Mohabbat ka Sharbat is a refreshing Old Delhi-style summer drink. It has flavors from watermelon and rose syrup. Here is how to make it (vegetarian, gluten-free, and can be made vegan).
      Mohabbat Ka Sharbat
    • Sambaram (Morum Vellam) is Kerala-style spicy buttermilk made with yogurt, curry leaves, green chilies, and ginger. It is popularly served during Onam Sadhya with the festive spread (vegetarian, gluten-free).
      Sambaram (Morum Vellam, Kerala Style Buttermilk)
    • Kahwa is a Kashmiri tea flavored with cinnamon, cardamom, and saffron. It is a great drink to sip on cold winter days but can be had throughout the year. Here is how to make it at home.
      Kashmiri Kahwa Tea
    • Paan Shots is a refreshing drink made using fresh betel leaves, aromatic gulkand (rose jam), and creamy vanilla ice cream. Try my easy recipe here (vegetarian).
      Paan Shots

    Footer


    ^ back to top

    About

    About Neha

    Diwali E-Book

    My Cookbook

    Stay Connected

    Sign up! for emails and updates

    Contact Me

    Policies

    Privacy Policy

    Terms & Conditions

    Accessibility Policy

    Whiskaffair has been featured in leading media including the huffington post, bloomberg quint, buzz feed, your story and many more

    Copyright © 2022 WhiskAffair Food LLP