Custard apple, popularly known as Sitaphal, is a seasonal fruit loved for its naturally sweet flavour and creamy texture. During its season, this fruit can be used to prepare a delicious traditional Indian dessert called Sitaphal Phirni. Made with milk, ground rice, cardamom and saffron, this pudding combines the richness of classic phirni with the distinctive taste of fresh custard apple.
This dessert is a wonderful choice for festive occasions, family gatherings or a special homemade treat. Its smooth consistency, delicate fragrance and natural fruity sweetness make it appealing to both traditional dessert lovers and those trying Indian sweets for the first time.
Sitaphal Phirni Ingredients
To prepare this creamy custard apple dessert at home, you will need:
- 1 litre full-fat milk
- 1/4 cup basmati rice, soaked
- 1 1/2 cups deseeded custard apple pulp
- 1/2 cup sugar, adjustable to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
- A few strands of saffron soaked in 1 tablespoon warm milk
- Chopped pistachios and almonds for garnish
- Rose petals for decoration
How to Make Sitaphal Phirni at Home
Step 1: Prepare the rice paste
Wash the basmati rice thoroughly and soak it for one hour. Drain the water and grind the rice into a coarse paste using a little milk or water.
Step 2: Heat the milk
Pour the full-fat milk into a heavy-bottomed pan and bring it to a boil. Stir regularly to prevent the milk from sticking to the bottom.
Step 3: Add the ground rice
Lower the heat and gradually mix in the rice paste, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
Step 4: Cook until creamy
Allow the mixture to cook over low heat for 20–30 minutes, stirring frequently. Continue cooking until the rice is thoroughly cooked and the mixture becomes thick and creamy.
Step 5: Add sugar and saffron
Stir in the sugar and saffron-infused milk. Cook for another five minutes, allowing the ingredients to blend into the phirni.
Step 6: Mix in the custard apple pulp
Remove the pan from the heat and let the phirni base cool. Once it has cooled, gently fold in the deseeded custard apple pulp and cardamom powder.
Step 7: Chill the dessert
Transfer the prepared phirni into serving bowls or traditional clay pots. Refrigerate for three to four hours or leave it overnight to achieve a chilled, set consistency.
Step 8: Garnish and serve
Before serving, decorate the phirni with chopped pistachios, almonds and rose petals. Serve chilled for the best flavour and texture.
Tips for Delicious Sitaphal Phirni
For the best results, remove all the seeds from the custard apple pulp before adding it to the dessert. Allow the cooked rice-and-milk mixture to cool before mixing in the fruit to preserve its fresh flavour.
You can also adjust the sugar according to the natural sweetness of the custard apple. Refrigerating the phirni for several hours helps develop its texture and makes it especially enjoyable when served cold.
Disclaimer
This recipe is intended for general culinary information. Ingredient quantities, cooking time and sweetness may vary depending on the fruit’s ripeness and individual preferences. Ensure that all custard apple seeds are removed before serving, and refrigerate the prepared dessert promptly. For the best quality, consume it while fresh and properly chilled.