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side shot of basundi in a glass
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Basundi Recipe

Basundi is a traditional Gujarati drink made with milk, dry fruits, and saffron. Learn how to make delicious basundi in few simple steps.  
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Indian
Servings: 4
Calories: 244kcal
Author: Hina Gujral

Equipment

  • Saucepan

Ingredients

  • 1 liter full fat milk
  • 1 teaspoon green cardamom pods
  • 1 teaspoon saffron (kesar)
  • 1 pinch nutmeg (jaiphal)
  • Cup granulated white sugar
  • 1 tablespoon almond, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon pistachio, sliced

Instructions

  • To prepare Basundi, transfer milk to a heavy bottom kadhai or saucepan. Turn on the heat to low - medium.
  • Add cardamom powder, saffron strands, nutmeg powder to the milk and stir to combine.
  • Heat milk on a low-medium flame and bring to a gentle boil. Keep on stirring at regular intervals so that the milk does not get browned or burnt from bottom. Scrape the milk solids from the sides, the cream layer formed on the top, and add it back to the simmering milk.
  • Once the milk reduces to almost half of the original amount, add sugar, stir to combine, and simmer over heat to dissolve the sugar completely.
  • Once Basundi reaches a thick yet pouring consistency. Turn off the heat. Transfer to a large serving bowl. Garnish with sliced nuts and keep in the refrigerator to chill for 2 - 3 hours.
  • Serve Basundi warm or chilled garnished with dry fruits and rose petals.

Video

Notes

  • It is best to use full-fat milk for making creamy Indian desserts. 
  • Stir the milk at regular intervals while simmering to avoid burning and add cream back to the milk. 
  • Never add sugar before milk is thickened. It prevents milk from thickening.
  • Basundi thickens more in texture after cooling down. Hence, do not make it too thick to drink. It should always be of pouring or drinking consistency.

Nutrition

Calories: 244kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 108mg | Potassium: 374mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 30g | Vitamin A: 413IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 293mg | Iron: 1mg