Description
This authentic Kulfi Ice Cream recipe offers a rich and creamy Indian frozen dessert flavored with cardamom, saffron, and garnished with chopped pistachios and almonds. Slow-cooked to a custard-like consistency without churning, it is denser than traditional ice cream and wonderfully aromatic, perfect for a refreshing treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dairy Base
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
Flavoring & Nuts
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios, plus extra for garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds (optional)
- 1 teaspoon rose water or kewra water (optional)
- Saffron threads, a pinch soaked in 1 tablespoon warm milk
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine whole milk, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and sugar.
- Heat Mixture: Bring this mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching on the bottom of the pan.
- Simmer and Thicken: Lower the heat and let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture reduces slightly and thickens to a custard-like consistency.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in ground cardamom, saffron-infused milk, chopped pistachios, chopped almonds if using, and rose water or kewra water if desired.
- Cool the Mixture: Remove the pan from heat and allow the kulfi mixture to cool to room temperature.
- Freeze: Pour the cooled mixture into kulfi molds, popsicle molds, or small cups. Insert sticks if using cups.
- Freeze Until Firm: Freeze the molds for at least 6 hours or overnight until the kulfi is firm and fully set.
- Serve: To remove kulfi from molds, briefly run the molds under warm water. Garnish with additional chopped pistachios before serving.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, blend the cooled mixture just before freezing.
- Kulfi is traditionally dense and does not require churning like regular ice cream.
- Try experimenting with other flavors such as mango puree, malai, or chocolate for unique variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 kulfi
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
