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Rich, creamy and traditional Basundi sweet recipe made with simmered whole milk, sugar, cardamom and crunchy nuts! Learn how to make authentic Indian basundi recipe without condensed milk at home with step-by-step photos and easy tips.

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Happy Valentine’s day friends. Hope you all had made some Valentine’s day special recipes and enjoying with your loved ones. Here is the delicious, easy and tasty basundi recipe i made with all my love for my sweetheart, Sendhil. As you all know, basundi is nothing but the sweetened, thickened milk spiced & garnished with saffron, cardamom and nuts.

I wanted to try some flavoured basundi and watched Sanjeev kapoor’s video recipe too. But i didn’t have either orange or strawberry. So i went with this basic version. As I had already tried this many times for my guests, i did it confidently. It tastes super yummy when served chilled. I am sure everybody in your family would enjoy this dessert. Do try this for your guests and special occasions like anniversary/birthdays. You’ll get appreciations for sure..

Quick Notes for US & Abroad Kitchens

Milk Selection: Use whole milk (Vitamin D homogenized milk). For a richer texture in colder climates, you can stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream, though slow-simmered whole milk yields the most authentic malai layers.
Cookware Choice: Electric coil and glass-top stoves have intense heat spots. Use a heavy-bottomed stainless steel kadai, non-stick pan or enameled cast iron Dutch oven to prevent the milk from catching at the bottom.
Heat & Malai Management: Keep heat on medium-low once the milk boils. Stir the bottom every few minutes with a flat heatproof spatula while gently pushing the clotted cream (malai) towards the sides.
Chilling Before Serving: Basundi thickens considerably as it cools. Chill in an airtight glass container for 3 to 4 hours; top with extra slivered pistachios and almonds just before serving.

Traditional creamy basundi sweet in bowl

Basundi Recipe (Traditional Indian Milk Dessert)

Chitra

Rich, creamy and traditional Basundi sweet recipe made with simmered whole milk, sugar, cardamom and crunchy nuts with step-by-step photos and tips.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 30

Total Time 35

Course Sweet

Cuisine Indian

Servings servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

500 ml Full fat milk (approx. 2 cups / 17 fl oz – whole milk)
2-4 tbsp Sugar (adjust to taste)
Saffron threads few strands
¼ tsp Cardamom powder (from 2 pods, crushed)
1 pinch Nutmeg powder (freshly grated)
1 ½ tbsp Chopped cashews, almonds and pistachios (approx. 5 each)

Instructions

In a heavy bottomed kadai or pan, bring the milk to a boil over medium heat and simmer until it reduces to half its original quantity. As it boils, stir the bottom periodically, gently scrape the clotted milk cream (malai) from the sides of the kadai and fold it back into the milk. In the mean time, finely chop all the nuts and set aside. Roast a small piece of nutmeg, powder and set aside.
After the milk is reduced to half, add sugar and saffron threads. Mix well and boil for 2 to 3 minutes until the sugar dissolves completely. Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary.
Lastly, add the crushed cardamom powder, nutmeg powder and chopped nuts. Mix well and switch off the flame. The total simmering process takes around 30 to 35 minutes on low to medium flame. Keep the consistency slightly runny, as it will thicken further as it cools down.
Transfer the basundi to a serving bowl and refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours. Serve chilled garnished with extra nuts!

Notes

Stand nearby and stir the milk periodically to avoid scorching or spilling over. If you cannot stay by the stove, keep the flame on low and let it simmer gently, scraping the sides once in a while and folding the cream back into the milk.
The color of basundi varies according to the quantity of saffron used. Add fewer strands for a delicate color or a few extra for a vibrant golden hue.
Basundi thickens upon cooling and chilling. You can adjust the consistency by stirring in a little warm milk before serving if it becomes too thick. Check for sweetness as well.

Keyword basundi, Basundi recipe, easy dessert, easy dessert recipes indian, Indian dessert recipes, sweetened milk

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