Monday, March 9, 2015

BASUNDI / Sweetened Dense milk garnished with nuts and Saffron


Basundi is an Indian dessert prepared predominantly in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Gujarat. Traditionally Basundi is prepared by boiling full fat milk on low heat until it is reduced to half of the original quantity. It is then sweetened with some sugar and cooked for some time. Lastly it is garnished with nuts and flavored with cardamom. The process of cooking the thick milk with  sugar gives it a nice pink color. In many ways it is similar to RABRI/ RABDI , a dessert very  popular  in northern India. But if you ask me, the difference lies in the texture .Unlike Rabri,  Basundi has a very smooth and creamy texture.





I have made this recipe in the traditional way and also using the slow cooker method (on different occasions). I will discuss both of these methods in this post today.  The advantage of the slow cooker method is that , you don't have to stand and monitor the cooking process. Stirring the milk once in a while is just enough. I usually go with slow cooker method, when I have a lot on my plate. The slow cooker in one corner of my counter top does its job well with out much of my intervention.


 First let's check the ingredients..

INGREDIENTS:

  • Full Fat milk : 1500 ml
  • Sugar : 1/2 - 3/4 cup (depending on the sweetness you desire)
  • Cardamom : 1/2 tsp
  • Blanched and sliced almonds : 2 tbsp plus  little for garnishing
  • Finely chopped Pistachios : 2 tbsp plus little for garnishing
  • Saffron : A pinch
Note: All measurements are based on the US measuring cup and spoon sizes where 1 cup = 235 ml

PROCEDURE:

Stove top method:
  • Boil milk in a wide , thick bottomed nonstick pan. Slightly rub the saffron with the palm and add it to the milk. Once the milk comes to boil, reduce the heat and cook the milk until it is reduced to little more than half of the original quantity. Keep stirring the milk once in a while. This process will take close to an hour.
  • When the milk has thickened and is little more than half of the original amount, add in the sugar .Continue  to cook the milk mixture for another 30 minutes. The milk will attain a light pinkish color. 
  • Lastly add the powdered cardamom and the nuts. Cook for the last 15 minutes.
  • Turn off the heat. When it comes to room temperature, refrigerate it.
  • Tastes best when served cold garnished with sliced almonds, pistachios and saffron strands.
Slow cooker method:


  • Take milk in the slow cooker pot. Add in the saffron. Cover the pot and turn it ON on high. 
  • Cook it on high for the first 4 hours. Stir it once in a while.
  • Then change the setting to LOW and cook for another 2 hrs. Stir once in a while.
  • Now add in the sugar,nuts and the cardamom powder and cook for  2 more hours. Stir once in a while.
  • Serve chilled garnished with nuts and saffron strands.






43 comments:

  1. Such a delicious looking basundi.Loved the stove top method for less time consumption.

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  2. So gorgeous and attractive. Those ingredients you added are my fav. A big like.

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    1. Thanks dear:) Looks like we have similar tastes:)

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  3. looks cool and refreshing drink,Great clicks.

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  4. Love the creamy texture. The basundi looks so appealing. So hard to resist dear. Loved it.

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  5. I looove basundi :) yours look super gorgeous with the light touch of pink with the saffron and nuts. Slow cooker method is new to me for sure. Definitely something to try . Wonderful share dear Shubha. Hope you had a great Holi too.

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    1. Thanks so much Anu:) I make Rice kheer using slow cooker , so thought why not try it for basundi too:) I am glad you liked it:)

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  6. Very healthy and refreshing dear:)...Loved the clicks and this is my favourite too:)

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  7. Wow wow wow! Love this gorgeous looking dessert. Can't resist more, I need it now! :)

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  8. Lovely prepaatio, its tempting Shubha

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  9. looks so comforting! perfect to indulge on a chilled winter day! good recipe Shubha!

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  10. This looks so tempting!!!
    Love this creamy heavenly dessert!!!!

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  11. Absolutely tempting :) My all time favourite :)

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  12. basundi ss are my all-time favourites....yummy

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  13. Wow!! simply superb and mouth-watering!!

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  14. Beautiful color n perfect to enjoy any time thsi dessert

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  15. Looking so delicious and perfect for any occasion. Love the recipe.

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  16. My favourite dear!!! drooling here

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  17. I've never heard of this before and it sounds delicious and looks so pretty. I'm definitely going to be making it. Can I just check - is it pasteurised or unpasteurised milk I should use? Thanks!

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    1. Thanks so much for writing:) i am glad you lke this very popular Indian dessert..pasteurized milk is used in this recipe.. Do try it and do let me know about the experience:) Thanks again:)

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  18. Looks so delicious, Subha. Planning to try your slow cooker method soon. Thanks for sharing.

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  19. my favorite sweet dish:) Looks Yumm :)

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  20. This looks amazing... I'm trying this out in the slow cooker as we speak - will update with the results!! Thank you for the recipe :)

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  21. How much does it make? How many servings?

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    Replies
    1. I think it should be enough for 6-8 servings

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