How To Make Perfect Malai Kulfi With Condensed Milk At Home

No matter the season, few desserts match the allure of a rich, creamy malai kulfi. Be it at the peak of summer or on a chilly winter evening, there is something special about kulfis, dense, milky goodness that always delights taste buds. Imagine savoring a bite of this traditional treat; the milky sweetness melts slowly on your tongue, leaving you craving just one more spoonful. For most Indians, kulfi is nostalgia, a dessert bringing back memories of street hawkers, family gatherings, and festivals. It is, after all, one of those desserts that make every occasion special, effortlessly bringing joy with its intense flavors and satisfying creaminess.

The malai kulfi stays on as staple in weddings, parties, and festivals and can also be brought to your home with this easy recipe. The condensed milk simplifies the traditional process by giving the kulfi a dense, creamy texture without hours of simmering. And, after all, it takes only a few ingredients and the right techniques to have an indulgent dessert that can be presented as a masterpiece to impress. So, if you're ready to plunge into the delightful world of kulfi making, let's see what makes this Indian treat special and learn how to make a version that is as satisfying as it's easy.

What is Kulfi?

Kulfi is often described as Indian ice cream but has got to be unique in both taste and texture, which sets it apart from the Western version. Originating centuries ago in the Indian subcontinent, kulfi is a thicker, denser variant of ice cream because of its slow-cooked, condensed milk base. As traditional as its preparation process is, the milk is cooked for hours until it is thick and then frozen to reach a rich, creamy, and intensely flavored texture. Contrary to ice cream, kulfi does not need churning, the ice is frozen until the product is solid and melt-in-the-mouth, a heavenly experience for many Indians. The addition of natural flavors like cardamom, saffron, or pistachios embodies a style and flavor of Indian desserts served traditionally on sticks or small, pot-like matka-style clay vessels. Over time, the sweet milk and cream-based malai kulfi has become quite popular with those who love to enjoy the simple, creamy taste without artificial flavours added.

How to Prepare Condensed Milk Malai Kulfi

Here is an easy recipe to make simply scrumptious malai kulfi at home with condensed milk. Unlike other recipes, this will skip long cooking while still providing the authentic taste of kulfi we all enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 cup condensed milk
• 2 cups full-fat milk
• 1 cup fresh cream (malai)
• 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 2 tablespoons chopped almonds and pistachios
• A few strands of saffron, soaked in a tablespoon of warm milk

Method

Mix the Milk and Cream

Pour full fat milk and fresh cream in a heavy-bottomed pan. Heat on medium, stirring occasionally so it doesn't burn.

Add Condensed Milk

Once the milk-cream mixture is warm, add in the condensed milk. Stir it well so that everything gets evenly mixed. The condensed milk will sweeten the kulfi mix besides thickening it like a dream; giving it an incredibly smooth, velvety texture.

Add Flavor

Add the cardamom powder to give it that classic kulfi aroma. Include soaked saffron for a soft gold color and added flavor. Bring to boil and let simmer for 10-15 minutes until it slightly thickens up.

Add Nuts

Leave the mixture to cool after you have switched off the stove. Add chopped almonds and pistachios to it for crunch and richness in kulfi.

Pour into Moulds and Freeze

Pour the kulfi mix in kulfi moulds or small cups. Cover and refrigerate for at least for 6-8 hours or till it is completely set.

Serve and Enjoy

To serve, gently plunge the moulds into warm water to release the kulfi. Enjoy your homemade malai kulfi!

Variations

Once you get the basic malai kulfi recipe, there's no end to the variations you can explore! Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

Mango Malai Kulfi: Add fresh mango puree to the kulfi mixture after it has cooled and then freeze as usual. The fresh fruit sweetness of mango goes very well with the creamy sweetness of kulfi.

Pista Kulfi: Just like any kulfi flavor, add more pistachios with a drop of green food coloring to give your kulfi a vibrant green shade and a distinct pista flavor.

Rose Kulfi: Add one tablespoon of rose syrup to the kulfi mixture. Rose actually goes well with cardamom and saffron for a decadent fragrant refreshing twist.

Chocolate Kulfi: To give your kulfi a chocolatey flavor, add one tablespoon of cocoa powder or melted chocolate to your mixture. Chocolate kulfi is also a tasty fusion treat.

Tips to Make Perfect Kulfi Every Time

Kulfi can be easily and satisfactorily made at home, if you know just a few tricks:

Use Full-Fat Ingredients

When the expectation is to achieve the creamiest kulfi, always use full-fat milk and cream. Low-fat options will not really provide the desired texture or finish-crisp with ice crystals on the surface.

Prevent Ice Crystals

Mix the kulfi batter very well to avoid ice crystals. Frozen in tightly sealed moulds or containers, there might not be any formation of ice crystals.

Add Nuts for Crunch

Chopped nuts are used, not just to enhance the flavor but also to provide a textural mouthful with each bite of kulfi. Never forget that they must be finely chopped so that they blend well in the kulfi.

Release from Moulds Carefully

When ready to serve, release the kulfi by dipping the moulds for a few seconds in warm water, and this is a little delicate, so handle with care not to break or use hot water.