Ferni (Afghan Custard)

• Prep time: 10 mins

• Cook time: 15 mins

• Total time: 25 mins (plus chilling)

• Servings: 6

• Country of origin: Afghanistan

• Description: A silky, cornstarch-based milk pudding delicately scented with cardamom and rosewater, topped with ground pistachios.

• Presentation: Chilled in individual glass ramekins, decorated with crushed pistachios arranged in flower patterns.

• Ingredients:

  • 4 cups whole milk

  • 1/2 cup cornstarch

  • 3/4 cup sugar

  • 1 tsp ground cardamom

  • 1 tbsp rosewater

  • 1/3 cup crushed pistachios for garnish

• Step-by-step directions:

  • Dissolve cornstarch in 1 cup cold milk until smooth.

  • Heat remaining 3 cups milk and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until warm.

  • Slowly pour cornstarch mixture into warm milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.

  • Cook over medium heat while stirring continuously until mixture boils and thickens into a glossy custard.

  • Remove from heat; stir in ground cardamom and rosewater.

  • Pour into serving dishes and chill in refrigerator for 2 hours until set.

  • Garnish with crushed pistachios before serving.

• Optional variations: Sprinkle ground almonds or edible rose petals over top.

• Cooking tips: Whisk constantly while cooking to prevent cornstarch from scorching at bottom of pan.

• Nutrition facts:

  • Calories: 210 kcal

  • Fat: 6g

  • Carbohydrates: 33g

  • Protein: 5g