Discover the Flavors of Ferni: A Traditional Sweet Treat from South Asia
Ferni is a traditional dessert that is popular in many parts of South Asia, particularly in Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. This creamy and delicious dessert is made with a few simple ingredients, including milk, sugar, and cornflour, and is often flavored with cardamom or rose water.
To make ferni, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 liter of full-fat milk
- 1/2 cup of cornflour
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom powder
- A few drops of rose water (optional)
- Chopped nuts for garnish (optional)
Here’s how you can make ferni:
- In a large pot, heat the milk over medium-high heat until it comes to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let the milk simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While the milk is simmering, mix the cornflour with 1/2 cup of water to make a smooth paste.
- Add the cornflour paste to the milk and stir well to combine. Cook for another 5-10 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
- Add the sugar and cardamom powder to the milk mixture and stir well until the sugar is dissolved.
- Cook for another 5-10 minutes, stirring constantly, until the ferni reaches the desired consistency. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a little more milk to thin it out.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let the ferni cool for a few minutes. Stir in a few drops of rose water, if desired.
- Transfer the ferni to individual serving bowls and garnish with chopped nuts, if desired.
- Chill the ferni in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
Ferni is a versatile dessert that can be served on its own or with other desserts like gulab jamun or ras malai. It can also be flavored with other ingredients like saffron or pistachios to create different variations. The key to making a delicious ferni is to stir the mixture constantly while cooking to prevent lumps from forming and to achieve a smooth, creamy texture.