Kesar Shahi Tukda With Rabdi (Saffron Bread Pudding With Spiced Milk Custard)
Description:
The Kesar Shahi Tukda With Rabdi is a quintessential North Indian dessert that combines the richness of whole wheat bread, ghee, and the delightful flavors of saffron and cardamom, creating a heavenly dessert perfect for any occasion. This indulgent sweet treat features crispy, golden-brown bread slices soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup and topped with a luscious Rabri, a spiced milk custard made with saffron. The combination of textures – the crispiness of the bread and the creaminess of the Rabri – makes this dessert irresistible. It’s a perfect sweet to serve during festivals like Holi, or when you have unexpected guests and want to treat them to something extraordinary. The Kesar Shahi Tukda brings out rich flavors and serves as a stunning showstopper for any party or festive gathering.
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Dessert
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient Name | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Brown Bread | 6 slices |
| Ghee (for shallow frying) | 1/4 cup |
| Rabri (prepared) | 1 cup |
| Mixed nuts (chopped) | Almonds, pistachios, cashews for garnish |
| Sugar Syrup | 1/3 cup |
| Sugar | 1/3 cup |
| Water | 1/3 cup |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Saffron strands | A few strands |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 75 minutes
Total Time: 85 minutes
Instructions
-
Prepare the Rabri:
- Begin by preparing the Rabri, following the traditional Rabri recipe. Once the Rabri is ready, set it aside to cool slightly. The Rabri serves as the decadent milk custard that will be poured over the bread slices later.
-
Make the Sugar Syrup:
- In a pan, heat 1/3 cup of water and 1/3 cup of sugar. Add a few saffron strands into the mixture. Allow the water to come to a brisk boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the syrup simmer. Continue cooking until it reaches a one-string consistency. This typically takes about 10–15 minutes. Turn off the heat and set the sugar syrup aside.
-
Prepare the Bread:
- Trim the edges of the whole wheat bread slices and then cut them into triangle shapes.
- Heat 1/4 cup of ghee in a skillet over medium heat. Once the ghee is hot, add the bread slices to the skillet and shallow fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy on both sides. Make sure to flip them carefully to ensure even cooking.
-
Soak the Fried Bread:
- Once the bread slices are fried to perfection, immediately soak each piece in the warm sugar syrup for about a minute, allowing the syrup to infuse into the bread while maintaining its crispy texture on the outside.
-
Assemble the Kesar Shahi Tukda:
- Arrange the soaked bread slices on a serving platter. Pour the prepared Rabri over each slice, generously covering them with the creamy custard.
- Garnish the Kesar Shahi Tukda with chopped mixed nuts, including almonds, pistachios, and cashews, to add an extra layer of texture and flavor.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- The Kesar Shahi Tukda with Rabri can be served either chilled or warm, depending on your preference and the season. If it’s a warm day, chilling the dessert adds a refreshing touch. On the other hand, a warm serving can make it feel even more indulgent during colder months.
Tips for Perfect Kesar Shahi Tukda With Rabri:
- Rabri Consistency: Ensure your Rabri is thickened to a creamy consistency before pouring it over the bread. If it is too runny, the texture will not hold as well on the bread.
- Bread Quality: You can use either whole wheat bread or white bread for this recipe. Whole wheat bread adds a slightly earthy flavor, while white bread creates a softer texture.
- Customize the Garnish: While the recipe calls for almonds, pistachios, and cashews, feel free to get creative and add other nuts like walnuts or hazelnuts for different flavors.
- Serve Warm or Cold: This dessert is versatile, and you can tailor it to the season. In summer, refrigerating the dessert gives it a nice, chilled sensation, while serving it warm adds comfort during colder months.
Allergen Information:
- Contains: Dairy (Rabri, Ghee), Wheat (Bread), Nuts (Almonds, Cashews, Pistachios)
- May Contain Traces Of: Gluten (in bread), depending on cross-contamination during preparation.
Dietary Preferences:
- Vegetarian: Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian, using dairy and plant-based ingredients.
- Gluten-Free Option: To make this dish gluten-free, you can substitute the bread with gluten-free bread options.
- Nut-Free Option: Omit the mixed nuts to make the dessert nut-free, though you may want to use an alternative garnish like shredded coconut or fruit for decoration.
Conclusion:
Kesar Shahi Tukda With Rabri is a traditional and flavorful Indian dessert that combines the richness of bread soaked in a saffron-infused sugar syrup with the creamy, spiced goodness of Rabri. This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also ensures a beautiful, indulgent treat that will impress guests during festive occasions or any time you’re in the mood for something sweet. The mix of textures, from the crispy bread to the smooth, velvety Rabri, makes every bite a luxurious experience. Whether served warm or chilled, this dessert will undoubtedly be a crowd-pleaser.
