Peel, core and dice the apples.
Put them in a cooking pot with 1/2 a cup of sugar and soft them over a medium heat.
Stir constantly but gently (do not let the apples get mashed) until the sugar has dissolved and the liquid has evaporated.
Remove from heat and set aside to cool. In another pot, boil the milk. Then add rice flour, lower the heat and simmer till the milk has reduced and the rice is tender. Add 1/4 cup of sugar, saffron, cardamom powder and rose water.
Remove from heat. Cool slightly and while it is still warm stir in the stewed apples gently.
Transfer to a serving bowl and refrigerate. Garnish with crushed almonds,pista and serve cold.