### Basundi Recipe: How to Make This Traditional Indian Sweet
Basundi is a rich and creamy Indian dessert made from slow-cooked full-fat milk, flavored with cardamom or saffron, and garnished with nuts. It is especially popular during festivals like Diwali and Holi, particularly in the western states of India such as Maharashtra and Gujarat. This article will guide you through the authentic preparation of basundi, ensuring you create a delightful treat for your celebrations.
#### Ingredients
– 1 liter full-fat milk
– 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
– 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
– A few strands of saffron (optional)
– 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios
– 2 tablespoons chironji (optional)
– A pinch of salt
#### Instructions
1. **Preparation of Milk:**
– Pour the full-fat milk into a heavy-bottomed pan. This helps prevent the milk from burning during the cooking process.
2. **Slow Cooking:**
– Bring the milk to a boil over medium heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer.
– Stir the milk constantly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. This process will take about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
3. **Reducing the Milk:**
– Continue simmering the milk until it reduces to about two-thirds of its original quantity. You should see it thickening and becoming creamy.
– As the milk thickens, scrape the sides of the pan to incorporate the evaporated milk solids back into the mixture.
4. **Flavoring:**
– Once the milk has thickened, add sugar, cardamom powder, and saffron strands. Stir well until the sugar dissolves completely.
– Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. **Garnishing:**
– Remove the pan from heat and let the basundi cool slightly.
– Transfer it to serving bowls and garnish with chopped pistachios and chironji.
6. **Serving:**
– Basundi can be served warm or chilled, depending on your preference. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with puri or jalebi for a delightful dessert experience.
#### Tips for Making Authentic Basundi
– **Use Full-Fat Milk:** The richness of the milk is crucial for achieving the creamy texture of basundi.
– **Constant Stirring:** This prevents the milk from burning and ensures an even consistency.
– **Flavor Variations:** You can experiment with different flavors by adding fruits like mango or orange for a unique twist.
– **Serving Suggestions:** Basundi can be served as a standalone dessert or as a complement to fried sweets like malpua.
#### Conclusion
Basundi is a cherished dessert that embodies the essence of Indian festivals. With its creamy texture and rich flavors, it is sure to be a hit at any celebration. Follow this recipe to create an authentic basundi that will delight your family and friends during festive occasions like Diwali and Holi. Enjoy the sweet moments!