Indian-Style Milk Pudding Recipes Perfect For Festive Celebrations

Festivals are for getting together with loved ones, indulging in yummy food and sharing sweet moments. One of the most loved sweets that always makes an appearance during Indian festivals is the milk pudding. It’s a versatile dessert enjoyed across the country with various regional twists. Whether it’s Diwali, Holi, Eid or any other occasion, a rich creamy milk pudding is the perfect treat to share with family and friends.

What makes Indian style milk puddings so special is the combination of traditional ingredients like full fat milk, cardamom, saffron and sugar which gives out comforting familiar flavors. They not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also hold sentimental value, reminding you of festival celebrations and the warmth of home. This dessert is super easy to make and can be customized to your taste, whether you like a thicker custard like texture or a smoother creamier finish.

How To Make Indian Style Milk Pudding

Indian style milk pudding is a decadent dessert that brings happiness to every occasion. Here’s how you can make it in your kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 1 liter full-fat milk
• 100g sugar
• 1 tsp cardamom powder
• A pinch of saffron strands
• 2 tbsp cornflour
• 2 tbsp chopped nuts (cashews, almonds)
• 1 tsp rosewater or kewra water

Method:

1. Pour full-fat milk into a heavy-bottomed pan and boil it on medium heat.
2. Once it starts boiling add sugar and cardamom powder. Mix well till sugar dissolves completely.
3. Add a pinch of saffron strands to the milk and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
4. If you want a thicker pudding dissolve cornflour in a little water and add it to the simmering milk. Mix well to avoid lumps.
5. Let the mixture simmer for 10-12 minutes till it thickens slightly. Mix occasionally so it doesn’t stick to the pan.
6. Add chopped nuts like cashews and almonds and let them cook in the pudding for extra texture and flavor.
7. For extra fragrance add rosewater or kewra water. Once it thickens to your liking remove from heat. Let it cool to room temperature and refrigerate for 2-3 hours before serving.

Tips To make Indian Style Milk Pudding Perfect For Festive Season

Use Full Fat Milk

Always use full fat milk for the best texture and taste in your milk pudding. It gives the pudding a rich and creamy texture which is the hallmark of this dessert. The fat in whole milk helps in bringing out the taste of cardamom, saffron and nuts. If you want an even creamier texture, you can add a little cream to the milk while boiling it.

Add Aromatic Spices

Indian style milk puddings are famous for their warm and comforting spices. Cardamom is the spice to add, it gives the pudding a fragrant and earthy flavor. For an extra zing add a few saffron strands. Saffron not only gives the pudding a beautiful golden color but also infuses the pudding with a subtle floral flavor. You can even add a combination of both cardamom and nutmeg for more depth.

Slow And Steady Simmering

The secret to making perfect milk pudding is to simmer the milk slow. Don’t boil the milk quickly, let it simmer slowly, stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking or forming a skin. This way the pudding thickens evenly without burning and gives a smooth and creamy texture. Slow cooking also helps in bringing out the full flavors of the spices and milk.

Add Sweetness Gradually

Don’t over sweeten your pudding, add sugar gradually. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. If you want it sweeter you can always adjust. Some Indian milk pudding recipes use jaggery instead of refined sugar which gives a more caramel like flavor. Experiment with different sweeteners to get the pudding to your taste.

Add Textures With Nuts

To make the dessert more interesting add chopped nuts like almonds, cashews and pistachios. They provide a nice crunch to the pudding. Roast the nuts lightly before adding for a deeper flavor. You can also add dried fruits like raisins or figs for an extra sweetness and texture. These ingredients are not only flavorful but also add a festive touch to the pudding making it more special for occasions.

Thicken With Nature

If you want a thicker pudding, use natural thickeners like cornstarch or rice flour. These don’t change the flavor. Dissolve the cornstarch or rice flour in a little cold milk and add it to the boiling mixture. Let it cook for a few minutes till the pudding is to your desired consistency. Be careful with the quantity so it doesn’t become too thick.