How to Prepare Basundi: A Delicious and Easy Indian Dessert
Basundi is a popular Indian dessert that is known for its creamy texture and rich flavor. Made with condensed milk and flavored with cardamom, it is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed any time of the day. If you’re looking to prepare basundi at home, here’s a simple and easy-to-follow recipe that will help you create this delicious dessert.
Ingredients
To prepare basundi, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
– 1 cup milk
– 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
– 2 tablespoons sugar (optional)
– A pinch of saffron (optional)
– A few strands of saffron threads (optional)
– Almonds and pistachios (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Begin by heating the milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir the milk occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Once the milk starts to simmer, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This will help reduce the milk and thicken it slightly.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the condensed milk until smooth. Set it aside.
3. Once the milk has simmered for 10 minutes, add the condensed milk to the saucepan. Stir well to combine the two ingredients.
4. Continue to cook the mixture over low heat for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mixture should start to thicken and become creamy. If you prefer a sweeter basundi, you can add 2 tablespoons of sugar during this stage.
5. Once the mixture has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the heat. Add the cardamom powder and mix well. If you like, you can also add a pinch of saffron powder and a few strands of saffron threads for an aromatic flavor.
6. Transfer the basundi to a serving bowl and let it cool down to room temperature. You can refrigerate it for a few hours to chill it further.
7. Before serving, garnish the basundi with chopped almonds and pistachios. This will add a delightful crunch to the creamy dessert.
Enjoy Your Basundi
Now that you have prepared your basundi, it’s time to enjoy this delicious Indian dessert. Serve it chilled or at room temperature, and savor the creamy texture and rich flavor. Basundi is a perfect dessert for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something sweet after a meal. Happy cooking!