Step 1: Analyzing the Formulation of Each Sweet:
Let us dissect the primary carbohydrate structures and cooking methods of each milk sweet:
• Seviyan (Vermicelli Pudding): Made with roasted vermicelli (wheat noodles) cooked in sweetened milk.
• Kheer: A milk pudding made with whole grains of rice. The rice is cooked whole until soft, starch is released, and the milk thickens.
• Sandesh: A Bengali dry sweet prepared from fresh curd cheese (Chhena) kneaded with sugar/jaggery, not cooked as a liquid milk pudding.
• Phirni: A traditional creamy dessert originating from the Mughlai kitchen. It is prepared by grinding soaked rice into a coarse powder/paste, which is then added to boiling milk and simmered slowly with sugar, saffron, and cardamom. It is always set and served chilled in flat earthenware pots called Shikoras.
Step 2: Key Distinguishing Factor:
The use of powdered rice (ground rice) instead of whole grains is the absolute culinary differentiator between Kheer and Phirni.