Thandai Kulfi is a delightful Indian frozen dessert combining thandai flavours with creamy kulfi. It's perfect for hot days or as a sweet treat. The aromatic blend of nuts, seeds, and spices in thandai adds a refreshing twist to the classic kulfi recipe. Whether enjoyed on its own or garnished...

Ingredients
To prepare Thandai Paste
- 15Almonds (blanched)
- 10Pistachios
- 1tbspMelon Seeds (Char Magaz)
- 2tspPoppy Seeds
- 1/2tspFennel Seeds
- 4Green Cardamoms
- 12Black Peppercorns
- 1/2tspNutmeg Powder
- 1tbspdried Rose petals
- 1pinchSalt
- Few strands of Saffron (optional)
To prepare Kulfi
- 1lt Full Cream Milk
- 1/3cupSugar
- 1/2cupCream
- 2tbspsliced Nuts for garnishing
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
173.3kcal (8.67%)
Protein
3.7g (7.34%)
Carbs
15.3g (5.57%)
Sugars
9.3g (18.66%)
Healthy Fat
5.2g
Unhealthy Fat
5.8g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
How to make Thandai Kulfi
To prepare Thandai Paste
In hot water, soak almonds, pistachios, melon seeds, poppy seeds, fennel seeds, green cardamoms and black peppercorns in a bowl for 20-30 minutes. Set aside.
Transfer the soaked mixture to a blender, adding the nutmeg powder and rose petals. Blend until a smooth paste, using a little milk or water if needed to adjust consistency. Set this paste aside.
Soak the saffron strands in a tablespoon of water in a small bowl and leave it to infuse.
To prepare Kulfi
In a heavy-bottomed pot, bring the milk to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once boiling, add the sugar and the saffron infusion. Stir continuously until the sugar fully dissolves.
Mix in the Thandai paste. Reduce the heat to low-medium and continue stirring and scraping the sides of the pot until the milk is reduced by half and thickens. To test, dip a spoon into the mixture; it should coat the back of the spoon.
Remove the pot from the heat and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
Stir in the cream thoroughly into the cooled milk mixture.
Pour the mixture into kulfi moulds or popsicle moulds and freeze until solid.
To serve, unmold the kulfi and garnish with sliced nuts.
Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
173.3kcal (8.67%)
Protein
3.7g (7.34%)
Carbs
15.3g (5.57%)
Sugars
9.3g (18.66%)
Healthy Fat
5.2g
Unhealthy Fat
5.8g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Tips & Tricks
Soak nuts before blending to achieve a smoother paste.
Substitute poppy seeds with cashews if preferred.
Enhance the aroma of thandai with rose water if rose petals are unavailable.
Adjust sugar, spices, and nuts to suit your taste.
FAQS
How do I make Thandai Kulfi step by step?
To make Thandai Kulfi, soak almonds, pistachios, melon seeds, poppy seeds, fennel seeds, green cardamoms, and black peppercorns in hot water for 20-30 minutes. Blend the soaked mixture with nutmeg powder and dried rose petals until smooth. Soak saffron in water. Boil full cream milk, add sugar and saffron infusion, then mix in the Thandai paste. Reduce the mixture until thickened, cool it, stir in cream, and freeze in kulfi moulds until solid.
Is Thandai Kulfi suitable for a vegan diet?
Thandai Kulfi is not suitable for a vegan diet as it contains full cream milk and cream. However, you can make a vegan version by substituting dairy milk with coconut milk or almond milk and using a plant-based cream alternative.
What can I use as a substitute for the nuts in Thandai Kulfi?
If you have nut allergies or want to make a nut-free Thandai Kulfi, you can substitute the nuts with seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. Just ensure to adjust the soaking time accordingly, as seeds may require less time than nuts.
How should I store Thandai Kulfi for best freshness?
To store Thandai Kulfi, keep it in an airtight container in the freezer. It can last for up to 2-3 weeks. Make sure to cover the surface with plastic wrap before sealing the container to prevent ice crystals from forming.
What are some good pairings for Thandai Kulfi?
Thandai Kulfi pairs wonderfully with a variety of Indian sweets like Gulab Jamun or Jalebi. You can also serve it alongside fresh fruits like mango or berries for a refreshing contrast. A sprinkle of additional rose petals or a drizzle of honey can enhance the presentation and flavor.
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Leena Kohli
(@leenakohli)
Elevate your confidence through the magic of home cooking with my easy-to-follow recipes π©βπ³β¨ Elevate your confidence through the magic of home cooking with my easy-to-follow recipes π©βπ³β¨...
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