Place the milk in a heavy sausepan and bring to the boil, stirring constantly. Keep stirring and simmer until the milk reduces to one-third its original quantity.

Add the sugar and simmer for 5 more minutes. Now add the crushed cardamoms. Dissolve the saffron in 1/4 cup hot milk and add to the milk pudding. Stir thoroughly.

Garnish with the chopped pistachios. Serve chilled.