5 Best Kulfi Recipes

Who doesn’t love desserts? Especially, when it a creamy concoction that is delicately fragrant and frozen. One of the most loved Indian desserts, kulfi is known to have originated during the Mughal Empire in 16th century. It is believed that in the royal kitchens, kulfi was made using ice that was sourced from the Himalayas.

You may have considered it to be a close cousin of ice cream, but that’s just not the case. Ice creams are made with an egg custard base with added cream, while kulfi traditionally has one primary ingredient – full fat milk that has to be boiled for hours to adorn a silky, caramelized flavour. Simmering it continuously for long hours lends the distinct flavour and the irresistible smooth texture that has had us hooked to this delight. Milk is simmered over low flame, till it is reduced by two-thirds and becomes thick like rabri. This semi-condensed mix is poured into moulds or kulhars that are then frozen in ice. The secret to this lovely dessert is the right amount of caramelization of milk. The process may require patience but the results are well worth.

(How to Make Ice Cream at Home: An Easy, Foolproof Recipe)Master the art of making kulfi

If you don’t want to be slaving over the stove you can use a cheat recipe with condensed milk instead. But some would like to go the traditional way not comprising on the rich creaminess and gorgeous caramel flavour. Here are some things that you must keep in mind for best results, always.

(10 Best Indian Desserts)

1. Sometimes to cut short the time people may use cornstarch/cornflour, ground up white rice or unflavored gelatin to thicken the milk. Some may also add mava or khoya to enhance the intensity of the flavours.

2. The more sugar you add, the softer kulfi will be when frozen.

3. For simmering the milk, use a wide pot with a large surface area to hasten the process.

4. While boiling the milk, keep stirring it frequently else it will burn. Sugar helps in scalding down.

5. When you freeze the kulfi, it will expand so leave some space in the mould.

6. Experiment with fruity and nutty flavours. You can use lychee, paan, mango, dry fruits like almonds and pistachios and spices like cardamom and saffron. Adding just a pinch of salt can help balance the flavours.

7. Cool the mixture before you pour it into moulds. Also, you can place the mixture in the refrigerator for about two hours so as to avoid the formation of ice crystals on freezing.

8. You can use disposable paper cups or stainless steel glasses as moulds if you don’t find the original ones. Insert the sticks only when the kulfi is semi-frozen. If you’re using flat moulds, use aluminium foil to keeps the sticks in place.

(How to Make the Perfect Kulfi)

Recreate the classic creaminess at home as we bring you our best kulfi recipes. Try this delightful Indian dessert and you can thank us later.

1. Mango Kulfi
Recipe by Chef Niru Gupta

This one’s a seasonal delight. Use fresh, sweet mangoes for a burst of flavour. This recipe used condensed milk, so you cut down on time and labour.

(10 Best Mango Recipes)

best-kulfi-recipes-1

(Why Mango is Good for You!)

2. Trio of Kulfis
Recipe by Chef Manish Mehrotra and Chef Muhammad Ikram

Three unconventional flavours that everyone will love you for - kaju katli, guava and lassi. Flavoured kulfis are trendy and great to show off some culinary moves and impress your guests.

best-kulfi-recipes-2

3. Almond Malai Kulfi
Recipe by Chef Aditya Bal

Aditya Bal used a mix of condensed milk and cream to skip the lengthy process and save. Use this recipe if you want to treat your friends with a quick serving of kulfi. Add some toasted almonds and pistachios for the crunch.

best-kulfi-recipe-3

4. Pista Kulfi
Recipe by Chef Niru Gupta

The original recipe which uses full fat milk that is simmered till reduced. The traditional kulfi stands out due to the dense, creamy flavour.

best-kulfi-recipes-4

5. Fresh Alphonso and Cranberry Kulfi
Recipe by Executive Chef Vivek Rana, Indian Accent

It's the season for fruity and fusion flavours. Not your usual fare, this modern version is made without milk and only three ingredients.

best-kulfi-recipes-5