Basundi Recipe
Basundi Recipe: As a housewife and food critic, I have a deep love for traditional Indian desserts. And one of my favorite desserts is the creamy and rich Basundi. It’s a sweet and satisfying dish, with a unique and delicate flavor that sets it apart from other Indian desserts. The aroma of slow-cooked milk and sugar, combined with the nutty notes of cardamom and saffron, fills the house with a warm and comforting smell. And the smooth and velvety texture is simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving it as a special treat for a family gathering or simply indulging in a bowl after a long day, Basundi is a must-try for any dessert lover.
What is Basundi?
Basundi is a traditional Indian sweet dish made from slow-cooked sweetened milk. It is a popular dessert in the western state of Gujarat, India, but has since spread to other parts of the country. The dish is made by simmering full-fat milk on low heat for several hours until it thickens and reduces to a rich, creamy texture. Sugar, cardamom, and saffron are added to the milk to enhance its flavor and aroma. The end result is a sweet and creamy dessert that is a staple of Indian cuisine.
Variations of Basundi
Mango Basundi: A delicious twist on the traditional Basundi, this variation is made with the addition of juicy and sweet mango puree. The combination of creamy Basundi and ripe mango creates a delicious and tropical dessert.
Dry Fruit Basundi: For a nuttier and crunchier twist on the traditional Basundi, try this variation that is studded with an assortment of dried fruit such as raisins, cashews, and almonds. The addition of dried fruit adds texture and flavor to this already decadent dessert.
Chocolate Basundi: A decadent and indulgent variation, this Basundi is made with the addition of cocoa powder and chocolate chips. The combination of rich and creamy Basundi and chocolate is an irresistible treat that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Kulfi Basundi: This variation of Basundi combines the richness of Basundi with the creamy and dense texture of Kulfi, creating a delicious fusion dessert. The addition of Kulfi makes this Basundi even creamier and more indulgent.
Nutrition in Basundi
Basundi is a rich and creamy dessert, and as such, it is relatively high in calories and fat. One serving of Basundi can contain anywhere from 200-400 calories and up to 20 grams of fat, depending on the recipe and ingredients used. While it is not a low-calorie or low-fat dish, it is a treat that can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The milk used in Basundi provides essential nutrients such as calcium, protein, and vitamins, and the addition of saffron, cardamom, and sugar add flavor and aroma to this already delicious dessert.
Step by Step Basundi Recipe
Basundi Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup condensed milk
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp cardamom powder
- 10 almond / badam
- 5 cashew
- 7 pistachios
- 2 tbsp charoli seeds / chironji
- Saffron / Kesar
Instructions
Preparation
- Assemble all ingredients together to avoid last minute rush.
- Slice or chop almonds, pistachio and cashews.
- If you don't have cardamom powder, then crush cardamom pods in Mortar-Pestle.
Cooking
- Add milk and condensed milk in a thick bottomed Kadai. Mix well condensed milk with the full fat milk. Keep in mind the mixture thickens while cooking, so add the milk accordingly.
- Start heating the mixture on low flame. Keep on stirring at intervals so that the mixture do not get browned or burn from bottom.
- Simmer on low heat for 20 to 25 minutes and continue stirring after intervals of 3 to 4 minutes. Gradually the Basundi mixture would begin to thicken.
- Scrape the milk solids from the sides and add it back to the Basundi mixture.
- Now, add nutmeg powder and saffron strands.
- Mix well to combine. Continue to simmer for about 2 minutes more.
- Switch off the flame and garnish with chopped or sliced nuts.
- Your Basundi is ready to serve!
Equipment Used for This Recipe
Notes & Tips
- Sweetness: Adjust the quantity of condensed milk as per your sweet preference. I find it the above mentioned proportion perfect according to our taste. You can add more hot milk at the end if Basundi tastes very sweet.
- Choosing milk: Use full fat milk for a creamy consistency.
- Nuts: Feel free to adjust the quantities of nuts as you prefer. And add which are your favorite.
- Ingredients & Equipment: Find these Ingredients & Equipment at specialty food stores or online stores. For review of some stores, please refer to the Grocery Review Section on our Website.
Nutrition Information (Note: Approximate)
FAQs – Basundi Recipe
What is Basundi?
Basundi is a traditional Indian dessert made from boiling milk until it thickens, and then sweetening it with sugar and flavored with cardamom and nutmeg. It’s a rich and creamy dessert that’s often served chilled and garnished with nuts such as almonds and pistachios.
How is Basundi different from Rabdi?
Rabdi and Basundi are similar desserts, with Rabdi being a thicker and creamier version of Basundi. The main difference is the cooking time – Basundi is boiled until it thickens, while Rabdi is boiled for a longer time until it becomes even thicker and creamier.
What ingredients are required to make Basundi?
To make Basundi, you’ll need whole milk, sugar, cardamom powder, nutmeg powder, and garnish with your choice of nuts such as almonds and pistachios. You can also add saffron for added flavor and a beautiful yellow color.
Can Basundi be made with condensed milk?
Yes, Basundi can be made with condensed milk to save time, as it thickens the milk more quickly. Simply mix the condensed milk with regular milk, sugar, and spices, and cook until it reaches the desired consistency.
How long does Basundi take to prepare?
Basundi typically takes around 30-45 minutes to prepare, with the majority of the time being spent boiling the milk until it thickens. The preparation time can vary depending on the desired consistency, so be sure to keep an eye on it while cooking.
What are some variations of Basundi recipe?
Basundi can be varied by adding different flavors, such as mango or rose, or by using different types of milk, such as coconut or almond milk. You can also make a healthier version of Basundi by using low-fat milk and reducing the amount of sugar.
How does Basundi taste like?
Basundi has a rich and creamy texture, with a sweetness balanced by the flavor of cardamom and nutmeg. It’s a satisfying dessert that’s perfect for those with a sweet tooth. The addition of nuts such as almonds and pistachios adds a crunchy texture and enhances the overall flavor.
See Also:
———————————————————————————————————
Foodcazt (www.foodcazt.com) is a Food Magazine. We help you discover food. Benefit from our Recipes, Reviews, Food Guides & Articles. We uncover trends, especially for Indian and Asian Cuisines. Please follow us to learn more. Uncover recipes. Learn about trends. Unearth unique restaurants. Find what moves you. Discover what inspires others. We uncover trends, especially for Indian Cuisine and Asian Cuisine.
It would mean the world to us, if you follow, like or subscribe on: YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.
