Did you ever have something that was so delicious, it made you recall at once sweet memories of family functions and festivities? With Navroz, the Parsi New Year, fast approaching, there could not be a better time to recreate the sense of comfort, warmth, and nostalgia in your kitchen. Celebrated with resplendent traditions, Navroz represents new beginnings, spring joy, and promises of prosperity. Whereas the Parsi worldwide celebrate this event in March, in India it takes place in July-August, when families are blessed with love, devotion, and delicious, unbeatable aromas.
Lagan Nu Custard, as far as desserts are concerned, is more than a dessert—it is part of Parsi culture. Traditionally served at weddings (hence the title 'Lagan,' which means wedding), this rich, spiced custard topped with shreds of almonds, pistachios, and charoli infuses a feeling of comfort and happiness into any event. It's the sort of dessert that reminds you of sitting at your grandmother's dinner table, enveloped in the warmth of family and the sound of laughter from loved ones. If you're willing to prepare this traditional dessert like a professional, follow this recipe along with top hacks that will leave your custard simply irresistible.
Ingredients:
1 liter whole fat milk
200 ml fresh cream
1 cup sugar
6 eggs
1 teaspoon cardamom powder
1 teaspoon nutmeg powder
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
¼ cup almonds, soaked and slivered
¼ cup pistachios, soaked and slivered
2 tablespoons charoli (chironji)
Method:
In a big saucepan, heat the milk and boil it down to around half of its volume. Add sugar, cardamom, and nutmeg and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Let the smell waft through your kitchen.
Whisk the eggs smooth in a separate bowl. Incorporate fresh cream and vanilla extract, mixing gently. Think of this as the core of the custard, where all the warmth and richness are combined.
Add the cooled milk mixture gradually to the egg mixture while stirring continuously. Add the slivered almonds, pistachios, and charoli and see each spoonful overflow with festive spirit.
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Grease a baking dish with butter and add the custard mixture. The gentle clatter of nuts falling onto the custard mix is a little pleasure—proof that your dessert will be a showstopper.
Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The caramelized spots on top are a beautiful sign that your custard is ready to shine.
Let the custard come to room temperature first before placing it in the fridge to chill. When serving, every slice must be a hug on a plate—smooth, fragrant, and pleasantly sweet.
Use Full-Fat Milk for Richness:The richness of Lagan Nu Custard relies on the quality of milk. Full-fat milk, when it's reduced, provides a richness that cannot be matched. Skimmed milk simply won't provide you with that snug, indulgent feeling.
Pre-Soak the Nuts:Overnight soaking of almonds and pistachios makes them pliable and simpler to slice thin. It also keeps them from getting too firm during baking. And with every bite, a soft crunch registers like a explosion in your mouth.
Don’t Overbeat the Eggs:Whisking eggs too vigorously incorporates air, which can make the custard rise unevenly and crack as it cools. Instead, treat the eggs with care to keep the custard smooth and luscious.
Balance the Spices:Cardamom and nutmeg freshly ground provide a warmth to the freshly baked dessert. Use just a pinch to make your custard festive without overpowering vanilla's delicate taste.
Prevent Uneven Baking:Placing the custard in the middle shelf ensures even baking. If it browns too quickly on the top, loosely cover it with foil to prevent burning. Slow, consistent baking is what results in this classic, comfort-type dessert.
Cooling Is Essential:Once baked, allow the custard to cool in the oven with the door open. This slow cooling allows it to set beautifully, so every slice remains intact.
Serving Suggestion:Sprinkle with rose petals or drizzle with rose syrup just before serving. Not only does this make the custard look like a special treat, but it also provides a floral flavor that tastes like a secret ingredient in a beloved family recipe.