Kulfi (Indian Ice Cream)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Kulfi is the ultimate frozen dessert for anyone who loves the combination of creamy and spiced flavors. Unlike traditional ice cream, Kulfi has a more solid, dense consistency, making each bite satisfyingly rich. The blend of sweet condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream gives it a smooth texture, while cardamom, vanilla, and crushed pistachios add an exotic, aromatic twist. Whether served as a treat at the end of a meal or on a hot summer day, this dessert is sure to impress!

Ingredients

• 14 ounces condensed milk
• 14 ounces evaporated milk
• 1 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom
• 1/4 cup pistachios, crushed

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Base: In a saucepan, combine the condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy whipping cream. Stir well to combine and heat over medium heat. Allow the mixture to simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
2. Add Flavorings: Once the milk mixture has slightly thickened, remove from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract, cardamom, and crushed pistachios. Make sure everything is well combined.
3. Cool the Mixture: Let the mixture cool to room temperature before pouring it into your Kulfi molds. If you don’t have special Kulfi molds, you can use popsicle molds or small cups as alternatives.
4. Freeze: Cover the molds with a lid or plastic wrap and place them in the freezer. Let them freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight for best results. The Kulfi should be firm and ready to enjoy once fully frozen.
5. Serve: To release the Kulfi from the molds, run warm water over the outside of the molds for a few seconds. Gently pull the Kulfi out and serve. Garnish with more crushed pistachios if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Freezing time: 6+ hours
• Total time: 6+ hours 15 minutes

Variations

• Flavored Kulfi: You can infuse different flavors into the Kulfi mixture by adding saffron, rose water, or mango puree for a unique twist.
• Fruit Kulfi: For a fruity version, blend in mango, strawberry, or even lychee puree before freezing.
• Nuts: Experiment with different nuts such as almonds or cashews in place of pistachios to change up the flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Kulfi can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. If you want to keep it for a longer period, ensure it’s wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Reheating: Kulfi is meant to be served frozen, so it should not be reheated. If it becomes too hard, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make Kulfi without special molds?

Yes, you can use any small container or popsicle mold. If using cups or other containers, make sure to cover them with plastic wrap before freezing.

2. Is Kulfi similar to traditional ice cream?

Yes, but it has a denser and creamier texture. Kulfi is also made without churning, so it’s thicker and more solid than regular ice cream.

3. Can I make Kulfi without pistachios?

Yes, you can leave out the pistachios or substitute them with other nuts such as almonds, cashews, or even walnuts.

4. Can I use other spices in Kulfi?

Yes, you can try adding spices like saffron, cinnamon, or nutmeg for a different flavor profile.

5. How do I know when Kulfi is ready to eat?

Once the Kulfi is fully frozen (after at least 6 hours), it should have a firm texture. You can check by gently pressing the outside of the mold to see if it releases.

6. Can I use non-dairy substitutes?

You can make a dairy-free version using coconut milk or almond milk in place of the evaporated milk and heavy cream. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.

7. How can I make the Kulfi sweeter or less sweet?

You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less condensed milk. If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of condensed milk or add a sweetener like honey or maple syrup.

8. Can I add fruit to my Kulfi mix?

Yes! You can blend fruit purees (like mango, strawberry, or guava) into the mixture before freezing to make a fruity version of Kulfi.

9. How long will Kulfi last in the freezer?

Kulfi will stay fresh in the freezer for about 2 weeks. Make sure it’s tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn.

10. Can I serve Kulfi with toppings?

Yes, you can top Kulfi with extra crushed pistachios, dried fruits, rose petals, or even a drizzle of honey or rose syrup for added flavor.

Conclusion

Kulfi is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves creamy, rich frozen treats with an exotic twist. With a blend of sweetened milk, aromatic cardamom, and crunchy pistachios, it’s a treat that offers a refreshing change from regular ice cream. Whether you’re enjoying it on a warm day or after a flavorful Indian meal, this Kulfi recipe is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

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