Ferni (Firni)

Prep time: 15 mins Cook time: 15 mins (plus 2 hrs chilling) Total time: 2 hrs 30 mins Servings: 6 servings Country of origin: Afghanistan

Description: Ferni is a silky, chilled cornstarch pudding delicately flavored with cardamom and rosewater.

Presentation: Poured into individual dessert bowls, decorated with crushed pistachios and slivered almonds, served cold. Ingredients: 4 cups whole milk 1/2 cup cornstarch 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 tsp ground cardamom 1 tbsp rosewater 1/4 cup crushed pistachios and slivered almonds for garnish Step-by-step directions: Whisk cornstarch into 1 cup of cold milk until smooth and free of lumps. Combine remaining milk and sugar in a saucepan and heat over medium flame until warm. Slowly pour cornstarch mixture into warm milk while whisking continuously. Cook on medium-low heat, stirring constantly until mixture thickens to a creamy pudding. Remove from heat and stir in ground cardamom and rosewater. Pour pudding into individual bowls and cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until fully set, then garnish with pistachios and almonds before serving. Optional variations: Top with dried edible rose petals or a light drizzle of saffron syrup. Cooking tips: Keep stirring continuously while cooking to prevent cornstarch from clumping at bottom of pan. Nutrition facts:

• Calories: 180 kcal

• Fat: 6g

• Carbohydrates: 26g

• Protein: 5g