Basundi is an Indian dessert popular in Bihar, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Karnataka. It is a sweetened dense milk made by boiling milk on low heat until the milk is reduced by half.
Heavy cream may be added during the boiling process to hasten the thickening process. Once reduced, a little sugar, cardamom, Buchanania seeds also known as Charoli and/or saffron are added. Basundi is served chilled, often garnished with slices of almonds and pistachios.
Ingredients :
Whole milk- 1 litre
Sugar- 1/4 cup/ to your liking
Cardamom powder- 1/4 tsp
Saffron- 4-5 strands
Pistachios/Almonds(coarsely chopped)-3 Tbsp
Method:
1.Boil the milk in a thick bottom vessel. Reduce the heat and continue boiling.
2.Stir in between, every 10 minutes or so.
3.Just before stirring take out the cream on the top and store it.
4.Continue this until the milk is reduced to 1/3rd of its initial volume.
5.Add the sugar and stir for 3-4 minutes.
6.Grind the saffron strands and mix in a tablespoon of hot milk.
7.Mix this saffron milk, the cream that you've collected and the cardamom powder into milk.
8.Add the chopped pistachios/nuts.Pour into a serving dish.
9.Chill in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours.
10.Now you are ready to serve.
