How to make Simple Kulfi Full Recipe For Beginners
During hot summer days, there is a constant craving for something cold and satisfying dessert and kulfi is one such dessert which instantly comes to mind. It is rich, creamy, and has a refreshing traditional flavour which feels very comforting during evenings or especially after meals.
Kulfi is known for one of the most loved frozen desserts in India. It is very different from a regular ice cream because it has a more dense and creamy texture. This recipe of kulfi makes you feel more rich and homemade when compared to a store-bought frozen dessert. You can use fresh ingredients which are easily available and adjust the sweetness according to your taste. Even though kulfi sounds more like a complicated dessert, it is actually very simple to make at home which is made slowly using milk. For me, kulfi always reminds me of traditional taste during summer desserts made at home.
About this recipe
This kulfi recipe is a very simple homemade version of the traditional Indian frozen dessert-kulfi. It has a rich and creamy texture which makes it different from how a usual ice cream tastes. One of the best things about this recipe is that it uses easy ingredients which are instantly available. You do not need anything expensive or complicated.
Since this recipe is also beginner-friendly, the steps are easy to follow. Even if you are making kulfi for the first time, the process is simple and manageable. You also don’t require equipment like an ice cream machine to make this kulfi.
Kulfi can be flavored in different ways by adding various ingredients like cardamom, saffron, nuts, or mango pulp.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35–45 minutes
Freeze Time: 6–8 hours
Total Time: About 7 hours
Servings: 6 kulfis
What goes in the recipe
- Milk – 1 litre
- Sugar – ¼ to ½ cup
- Cardamom powder – ½ teaspoon
- Dry fruits – 2 to 3 tablespoons
- Cornflour – 1 tablespoon (optional)
- Condensed milk – ¼ cup (optional)
Step-by-step instructions
- Take a heavy bottomed pan and pour the required amount of milk into it.
- Then place the pan on a medium flame and boil it until it comes to a gentle boil. Make sure to keep stirring the milk occasionally so that it does not stick to the bottom of the pan.
- After a few minutes you will notice that the quantity of the milk has been reduced and starts becoming slightly thicker.
- Once the milk comes to the reducing stage, to the pan add sugar and mix it properly until it dissolves completely.
- Continue cooking the milk while mixing it frequently from time to time. This slow cooking process is what gives the Kulfi its rich and creamy texture.
- Then to the pan add cardamom powder and chopped dry fruits. Mix everything together so that the flavours combine nicely.
- If you are using condensed milk you can add it at this stage and mix it properly so that the kulfi will result in a creamier taste.
- In case you want a slightly smoother and thicker texture you can mix corn flour with a few tablespoons of milk in a separate bowl. Then slowly start adding this mixture into the hot milk while stirring it continuously.
- After a few minutes you will notice that the mixture starts thickening.
- Once the mixture is perfect in its texture, switch off the flame and let it cool down completely.
- After it is cooled down properly, pour this prepared mixture into Kulfi moulds, small cups or any containers you like to prefer.
- Next, cover them properly and place them in the freezer for about 6 to 8 hours or until it is completely set.
- After the kulfi moulds are set, remove the kulfi from it carefully and your easy homemade kulfi is ready.
- You can garnish it with extra chopped nuts on top of it and serve it chilled.
Tips for perfect kulfi
- It is always recommended to use full fat milk to give the kulfi a perfect creamy texture. If you use thin or low fat milk there are chances of the Kulfi turning icy.
- Stirring the milk regularly while it is boiling is important because it prevents the milk from sticking to the bottom of the pan and helps the milk to cook evenly.
- Never rush the thickening process because the main goal of this recipe lies in slowly reducing the milk which gives the kulfi a more rich and creamy texture.
- While freezing the Kulfi you should always cover the moulds or containers completely to prevent the formation of ice crystals on the surface.
- Always use good quality dry fruits and flavouring like fresh cardamom, saffron, almonds, or pistachios to improve the overall flavour of the Kulfi and give it a more traditional taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the ingredients in kulfi?
The authentic kulfi is a rich and creamy Indian frozen dessert which includes full-fat milk, sugar, cardamom, nuts like almonds and pistachios, and thickeners like khoya, heavy cream, or cornstarch in its ingredients.
- What is desi kulfi?
Desi kulfi is a traditional South Asian frozen dairy dessert which is known for its dense, creamy, and granular texture. It is often called “Indian Ice Cream” which is made by simmering the milk slowly.
- Why is my kulfi not freezing?
Kulfi may not freeze due to some common reasons like, the mixture is too thin, if the milk is not cooked enough, and if the freezer temperature is not enough.
- Which is healthier, kulfi or ice cream?
Kulfi can be considered as a healthier option when compared to ice cream because it is traditionally made without using eggs or preservatives.
- What is the best flavour of kulfi?
Top rated kulfi flavours include Malai kulfi, Kesar Pista kulfi, Mango kulfi, Sitaphal kulfi, and Kesar Badam kulfi.
- How many hours does it take for kulfi to set?
Kulfi usually takes about 7 to 8 hours to set completely. You can also freeze them overnight for the firmest texture. The time also depends on the freezer’s efficiency and density of the mixture.
