Saffron and pistachio kulfi is a rich and creamy Indian frozen dessert, flavored with the delicate aroma of saffron and the crunch of pistachios. Here’s how you can make this delicious treat at home:
Ingredients
- 1 liter whole milk
- 1 cup condensed milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon saffron strands
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted pistachios, chopped (reserve some for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water (for mixing cornstarch)
- Kulfi molds or small cups
Instructions
- Infuse Saffron: Soak the saffron strands in 2 tablespoons of warm milk and set aside.
- Reduce Milk: In a heavy-bottomed pan, bring the whole milk to a boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer, stirring frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom. Reduce the milk to about half its original volume.
- Add Ingredients: Add the condensed milk, heavy cream, and sugar to the reduced milk. Stir well to combine. Add the saffron-infused milk and cardamom powder. Continue to simmer for another 5-10 minutes.
- Thicken: Mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Slowly add this to the simmering milk mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for another 5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Add Pistachios: Stir in the chopped pistachios, saving a few for garnish.
- Cool the Mixture: Remove from heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
- Freeze: Pour the mixture into kulfi molds or small cups. Cover with foil and insert popsicle sticks. Freeze for at least 6-8 hours or until completely set.
- Serve: To serve, dip the molds briefly in warm water to loosen the kulfi, then unmold. Garnish with reserved chopped pistachios and serve immediately.
Tips
- Creaminess: For an even richer kulfi, you can use evaporated milk in place of regular milk.
- Flavors: You can also add other flavorings like rose water or kewra water for a different aroma.
- Molds: If you don’t have kulfi molds, small paper cups or silicone molds can work as substitutes.
Enjoy your homemade saffron and pistachio kulfi, a delightful and exotic treat perfect for any occasion!
