​Basundi​

Basundi is a popular Indian sweet dish made by thickening milk and flavoring it with cardamom, saffron, and nuts. Here’s a detailed recipe to make Basundi:

Ingredients:

• 1 liter full cream milk
• 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 8-10 saffron strands
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 2 tablespoons chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios, cashews)
• 1 tablespoon chopped dry fruits (optional)
• A pinch of nutmeg powder (optional)
• 1 tablespoon rose water (optional)

Instructions:

1. Boil the milk:
   • Pour the milk into a heavy-bottomed pan and bring it to a boil over medium heat.
   • Stir occasionally to avoid the milk sticking to the bottom of the pan.
2. Simmer the milk:
   • Once the milk comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer.
   • Keep stirring occasionally to prevent forming a skin on the surface.
3. Add saffron:
   • Crush the saffron strands slightly and add them to the simmering milk. This will infuse a rich color and flavor to the Basundi.
4. Continue simmering:
   • Let the milk simmer until it reduces to about half of its original quantity. This process can take around 45 minutes to an hour.
   • Keep scraping the sides of the pan and adding the thickened milk back into the mixture.
5. Add sugar:
   • Once the milk has thickened to the desired consistency, add sugar to it.
   • Stir well until the sugar dissolves completely.
6. Add cardamom and nuts:
   • Add cardamom powder and chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios, cashews) to the Basundi.
   • You can also add chopped dry fruits like raisins if desired.
7. Optional flavorings:
   • If using, add a pinch of nutmeg powder and rose water for extra flavor. Stir well to incorporate.
8. Cook for a few more minutes:
   • Let the Basundi cook for a few more minutes after adding the sugar and flavorings.
   • Keep stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
9. Cool and serve:
   • Once the Basundi reaches the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool down to room temperature.
   • You can serve Basundi warm or chilled as per your preference.
10. Garnish:
    • Garnish the Basundi with some more chopped nuts before serving.

Serving:

• Serve Basundi as a dessert either warm or chilled. It can be served on its own or with puris or as a topping for desserts like jalebi or malpua.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Basundi!