Thandai Kulfi Recipe: A Delicious Indian Frozen Dessert
Thandai Kulfi is an indulgent and creamy Indian dessert that brings together the aromatic spices and flavors of Thandai, traditionally consumed during festivals like Holi and Maha Shivaratri, in the form of a frozen treat. Rich and flavorful with hints of cardamom, cinnamon, and black pepper, Thandai Kulfi offers a refreshing taste that’s both unique and satisfying. Perfect for summer or festive occasions, this dessert combines the best of both worlds: traditional Indian flavors and the refreshing chill of Kulfi.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this delicious Thandai Kulfi:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Full cream milk | 3 liters |
| Sugar | ½ cup |
| Almonds (soaked and peeled) | ¼ cup |
| Cashews | ¼ cup |
| Pistachios | ¼ cup |
| Poppy seeds (khus khus) | 2 tablespoons |
| Cardamom (green) | 2 teaspoons |
| Fennel seeds (saunf) | 1 tablespoon |
| Cinnamon powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Black pepper (whole) | 8 whole pieces |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 80 minutes
Servings
- Serves: 8 people
Cuisine
- Cuisine: Indian
- Course: Dessert
- Diet: Vegetarian
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow this easy-to-follow guide to make the rich and creamy Thandai Kulfi at home:
-
Prepare the Thandai Paste:
- In a mixer grinder, add soaked almonds, cashews, pistachios, poppy seeds, cardamom, fennel seeds, cinnamon powder, and black pepper.
- Grind all the ingredients together into a smooth, thick paste. You may add a small amount of water if needed to help the grinding process.
-
Boil the Milk:
- In a large saucepan, pour the 3 liters of full cream milk and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
-
Reduce the Milk:
- Once the milk starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Stir the milk regularly to ensure it doesn’t scorch.
- Allow the milk to cook until it is reduced by about half, thickening and becoming creamy. This will take approximately 45–60 minutes.
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Add Sugar:
- Once the milk is reduced, add ½ cup sugar and stir well until the sugar dissolves completely. Continue to cook for a few more minutes, allowing the sugar to blend into the milk.
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Add Thandai Paste:
- Next, add the freshly prepared Thandai paste to the milk mixture. Stir well to combine. Let the mixture cook for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring the flavors meld together.
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Cool the Mixture:
- Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. This is an important step, as adding the hot mixture directly to the molds can cause them to crack.
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Pour into Molds:
- Once the mixture has cooled, pour it into Kulfi molds (traditional steel molds work well, but any ice cream mold or popsicle mold can be used). Tap the molds gently to remove any air bubbles and ensure the mixture settles evenly.
-
Freeze:
- Place the filled molds in the freezer for at least 15 to 20 hours or until the Kulfi is frozen solid.
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Serve:
- Once your Thandai Kulfi is ready, remove it from the molds. You can dip the outside of the mold briefly in warm water to help release the kulfi more easily.
- Serve chilled as a refreshing dessert. Thandai Kulfi pairs wonderfully with spicy Panchamel Dal, flavorful Bhindi Masala, and soft Phulkas to complete the meal.
Tips for Perfect Thandai Kulfi
- Creaminess: To make the kulfi even creamier, you can add a little bit of heavy cream to the milk while boiling it.
- Flavor Variations: You can adjust the spices according to your preference. Add more cardamom or cinnamon for a more intense flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: Garnish with chopped pistachios, rose petals, or a drizzle of rose water for an extra layer of flavor and aroma.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250-300 kcal |
| Fat | 15-18g |
| Carbohydrates | 25-30g |
| Protein | 5-7g |
| Fiber | 1-2g |
| Sugar | 20-25g |
(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on the specific ingredients used.)
Conclusion
Thandai Kulfi is the perfect way to enjoy the rich, traditional flavors of India in a cool, refreshing dessert form. Whether you’re celebrating a festival or simply craving something sweet and creamy, this dessert will surely impress your guests. With a delightful blend of nuts, spices, and milk, this recipe brings together the essence of Thandai and Kulfi, making for a memorable dessert experience.
Serve Thandai Kulfi chilled after a hearty meal, and enjoy the symphony of flavors that this Indian dessert has to offer.
