A Creamy & Delicious Gulkand Kulfi Recipe
Indulge in the rich, fragrant, and creamy goodness of Gulkand Kulfi—a traditional Indian frozen dessert that combines the floral sweetness of gulkand (rose petal jam) with the smooth, luscious texture of kulfi. This delightful treat is perfect for special occasions like Holi, Diwali, or any time you want to impress your guests with a decadent dessert.
Kulfi is a beloved Indian dessert, known for its dense, creamy texture and flavorful ingredients. In this recipe, the infusion of fennel seeds, almond powder, and gulkand takes it to the next level, making it an unforgettable treat for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Ingredients for Gulkand Kulfi
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Milk (use 2% fat milk) | 3 liters |
| Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Fennel seeds (Saunf) – powdered | 1 teaspoon |
| Gulkand (rose petal jam) | 1/4 cup |
| Almonds (Badam) – powdered | 1/4 cup |
| Betel Nut (Supari) | 1/2 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used)
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250-300 kcal |
| Protein | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 20g |
| Calcium | 250mg |
| Iron | 1.5mg |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings
- Servings: 6
Cuisine
- Cuisine: Indian
- Course: Dessert
- Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions for Making Gulkand Kulfi
Step 1: Condense the Milk
Start by preparing the base for your kulfi. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, pour the milk and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the milk from sticking to the bottom.
Once the milk begins to boil, lower the heat to a simmer and continue to cook while stirring almost continuously. The milk should reduce by more than half. At first, stirring every few minutes will suffice, but as the milk begins to thicken, it’s crucial to stir more frequently to prevent the milk from burning.
Step 2: Add Sugar and Flavorings
Once the milk has reduced to about half of its original quantity, add the sugar. Stir well until the sugar dissolves completely into the milk. This is the sweet foundation of your kulfi, giving it that rich, indulgent flavor.
Next, stir in the fennel seed powder (Saunf), almond powder (Badam), and gulkand (rose petal jam). These ingredients will infuse the milk with a wonderful fragrance and complexity of flavors.
To finish, add a pinch of betel nut (supari) for a subtle, unique twist that will enhance the kulfi’s exotic taste.
Step 3: Cool the Kulfi Mixture
Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool down completely. The milk will thicken further as it cools. Be patient, as this step ensures the kulfi has the right creamy texture.
Step 4: Pour into Molds
Once the mixture has cooled, pour it into kulfi molds, filling them up to about 3/4th of their capacity. Seal the molds tightly with lids or plastic wrap. If you are using wooden ice cream sticks, insert them into the mixture at this point.
Step 5: Freeze the Kulfi
Place the sealed molds in the freezer and allow them to freeze for at least 15 hours. The long freezing time is key to achieving the kulfi’s characteristic dense, creamy texture.
Step 6: Serve
Once frozen, remove the kulfi molds from the freezer. To release the kulfi easily, run warm water over the outside of the molds for a few seconds. This will help loosen the kulfi without damaging its shape.
Serve your Gulkand Kulfi chilled, garnished with a few extra pieces of chopped almonds or rose petals for a decorative touch.
Tips and Variations
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Flavor Customizations: Gulkand Kulfi can be modified to suit different flavor preferences. For example, you can add a few strands of saffron to the milk while it’s simmering to enhance the richness and color of the kulfi. You could also substitute cardamom powder for fennel seeds for a more traditional kulfi flavor.
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Vegan Version: For a dairy-free version, you can use coconut milk or almond milk in place of regular milk. While the texture may vary slightly, it will still provide a creamy base for your kulfi.
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Sweeteners: If you prefer, you can substitute stevia or honey for sugar to make the kulfi a bit healthier. Just be mindful that these alternative sweeteners may alter the flavor slightly.
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Molds: Kulfi molds are traditionally used, but you can also use any freezer-safe container, such as small bowls or plastic cups, to shape the kulfi. If using cups, simply cover with plastic wrap and freeze.
Why You’ll Love This Gulkand Kulfi
Gulkand Kulfi combines the richness of condensed milk with the floral sweetness of gulkand, creating a dessert that is both unique and indulgent. The use of fennel, almonds, and betel nut adds complexity, while the texture of the kulfi remains creamy and velvety. This treat is perfect for special occasions, festivals, or anytime you want a delicious, cooling dessert that stands out.
Its exotic ingredients make it a fantastic conversation starter, while its creamy, refreshing taste ensures it will be the highlight of your dessert spread.
Serve it at your next Holi or Diwali party, or simply enjoy it as a luxurious end to a family dinner. Gulkand Kulfi will always leave your guests wanting more!
