Paan Matka Kulfi Recipe
This Paan Matka Kulfi brings together the rich, creamy essence of traditional Indian kulfi with the refreshing, aromatic flavors of sweet paan (betel leaf) to create a delightful frozen dessert. A beloved treat in North India, this kulfi is not only cooling but also offers a unique twist with the addition of cardamom, saffron, and a special paan mix. This recipe is perfect for serving after an indulgent meal or at a festive gathering. Served in cute, rustic “matkis” (clay pots), this kulfi is as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Full-fat milk | 2 liters |
| Cardamom powder (Elaichi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Saffron strands | A few strands |
| Sugar | 1/3 cup |
| Sweet paan mix (mukhwas) | 1/4 cup |
| Dried rose petals | For garnish |
| Crushed pistachios | For garnish |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings
- Serves: 4
Cuisine
- Cuisine: North Indian
Course
- Course: Dessert
Diet
- Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Boil the Milk:
Begin by pouring the full-fat milk into a heavy-bottomed pan. Bring the milk to a boil, stirring gently. Once the milk comes to a boil, reduce the heat and let the milk simmer. Stir the milk constantly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. You need to reduce the milk by half, and this will take about 20-25 minutes. Stir continuously to ensure that the milk thickens uniformly and doesn’t burn. -
-
Add Saffron and Cardamom:
Once the milk has reduced to half its original quantity, add the saffron strands and cardamom powder. These aromatic spices will give your kulfi a lovely fragrance and flavor. Stir well to mix the saffron and cardamom into the milk. -
Sweeten the Mixture:
Add sugar to the reduced milk mixture and stir until the sugar completely dissolves. At this point, the milk should start to thicken further and take on a rich, creamy texture. -
Incorporate Paan Mix:
Now, add the sweet paan mix (mukhwas) to the milk mixture. The paan mix adds an exotic, refreshing flavor to the kulfi. Stir well to combine the paan with the creamy milk mixture. The texture of the kulfi should now be smooth and fragrant. -
Cool the Mixture:
Turn off the heat and allow the kulfi mixture to cool to room temperature. This step is important to avoid freezing the mixture while it is still hot. -
Fill the Matkis:
Once the mixture has cooled, take small “matkis” (clay pots) or any mold of your choice and spoon the kulfi mixture into them. The clay pots add an authentic touch to the presentation and enhance the kulfi’s taste. -
Garnish:
Sprinkle some dried rose petals on top of each kulfi and add crushed pistachios for an added crunch. These garnishes not only look beautiful but also add texture and flavor to your kulfi. -
Freeze the Kulfi:
Cover each matka (or mold) with foil or plastic wrap. Place the kulfi-filled matkis in the freezer and freeze for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the kulfi to set properly. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Once the kulfi is completely frozen and set, it is ready to serve. Carefully remove the kulfi from the matkis, or serve them in their clay pots for a rustic, traditional touch. Serve your Paan Matka Kulfi as a refreshing end to a hearty meal or as a special treat for a festive occasion.
Serving Suggestions
This Paan Matka Kulfi pairs beautifully with a variety of North Indian dishes. For a complete meal, serve it after a flavorful spread such as:
- Amritsari Ajwaini Paneer
- Butter Garlic Naan
- Peas Pulao
- Onion Raita
These rich and flavorful dishes complement the creamy, cool kulfi perfectly, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal experience.
Tips for Making the Best Paan Matka Kulfi
- Milk Reduction: Be patient while reducing the milk, as this step is crucial for achieving the creamy texture that defines a great kulfi.
- Sweet Paan Mix: The sweet paan mix gives the kulfi its unique flavor. If you can’t find it in the mukhwas section, try substituting with a bit of paan essence or leave it out for a more traditional kulfi flavor.
- Freezing Time: Make sure to freeze the kulfi for at least 8 hours to ensure that it has a firm, set texture. The longer it freezes, the better it will hold its shape when served.
Enjoy the rich flavors and creamy texture of this Paan Matka Kulfi, a dessert that beautifully showcases the aromatic essence of traditional North Indian flavors in a delightful frozen treat.
