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...

Prep Time
30min
Cook Time
1hr 0min
Total Time
1hr 30min
Thandai Kulfi  recipe

Ingredients

6 Servings

To prepare Thandai Paste

  • 15
    Almonds (blanched)
  • 10
    Pistachios
  • 1tbsp
    Melon Seeds (Char Magaz)
  • 2tsp
    Poppy Seeds
  • 1/2tsp
    Fennel Seeds
  • 4
    Green Cardamoms
  • 12
    Black Peppercorns
  • 1/2tsp
    Nutmeg Powder
  • 1tbsp
    dried Rose petals
  • 1pinch
    Salt
  • Few strands of Saffron (optional)

To prepare Kulfi

  • 1
    lt Full Cream Milk
  • 1/3cup
    Sugar
  • 1/2cup
    Cream
  • 2tbsp
    sliced Nuts for garnishing

How to make Thandai Kulfi

To prepare Thandai Paste

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

    Step 1.1: Transfer the soaked mixture to a blender, adding the nutmeg powder and rose petals
  3. Soak the saffron strands in a tablespoon of water in a small bowl and leave it to infuse.

To prepare Kulfi

  1. In a heavy-bottomed pot, bring the milk to a boil over medium-high heat.

  2. Once boiling, add the sugar and the saffron infusion. Stir continuously until the sugar fully dissolves.

    Step 2.1: Once boiling, add the sugar and the saffron infusion
  3. 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.

    Step 2.1: Mix in the Thandai paste
    Step 2.2: Mix in the Thandai paste
  4. Remove the pot from the heat and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.

  5. Stir in the cream thoroughly into the cooled milk mixture.

  6. Pour the mixture into kulfi moulds or popsicle moulds and freeze until solid.

    Step 2.1: Pour the mixture into kulfi moulds or popsicle moulds and freeze until solid
  7. To serve, unmold the kulfi and garnish with sliced nuts.

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

  1. Soak nuts before blending to achieve a smoother paste.

  2. Substitute poppy seeds with cashews if preferred.

  3. Enhance the aroma of thandai with rose water if rose petals are unavailable.

  4. Adjust sugar, spices, and nuts to suit your taste.

FAQS

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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

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