Shahi Tukda is a decadent Indian dessert featuring crispy fried bread soaked in a sweet sugar syrup, drizzled with saffron-infused creamy milk, and garnished with chopped nuts. It’s a rich, indulgent treat that beautifully combines crunchy, soft, and aromatic flavors in each bite, making it a beloved dessert in Indian cuisine.
Here’s a detailed recipe:
Ingredients:
For Shahi Tukda:
- 6 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
- Ghee for frying
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup milk
- A few strands of saffron (kesar)
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
- Chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios) for garnish
Instructions:
Preparing Sugar Syrup:
- In a pan, combine water and sugar. Bring it to a boil until the sugar dissolves completely to make a sugar syrup. Keep it aside.
Preparing Saffron Milk:
- Heat the milk in a small pan.
- Add saffron strands to the warm milk and let it infuse. Set aside.
Frying Bread Slices:
- Cut the bread slices into triangles or any desired shape.
- Heat ghee in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Fry the bread slices until they turn golden brown on both sides. Remove excess ghee by placing them on a paper towel.
Assembling Shahi Tukda:
- Dip the fried bread slices into the sugar syrup for a few seconds. Ensure they are coated well but not too soggy.
- Place the dipped bread slices on a serving plate.
Final Steps:
- Pour the saffron-infused milk over the arranged bread slices.
- Sprinkle cardamom powder over the top.
- Garnish with chopped nuts, like almonds and pistachios.
Serving:
- Let the Shahi Tukda sit for a while to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve it warm or cold, as per your preference.
This dessert is a delightfully sweet treat with a blend of textures from the crispy bread and creamy milk. Enjoy making and savoring this wonderful dish!
