Shahi Tukda is a classic Mughal dessert that combines fried bread with a thickened, sweetened milk sauce and is garnished with nuts and sometimes dried fruits. This rich dessert is flavored with cardamom and saffron, offering a taste of royal indulgence. It’s often served at celebrations and is cherished for its delicious combination of textures and flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 slices of white bread, crusts trimmed
- 1/2 cup ghee, for frying
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 cups full-fat milk
- 1/4 cup condensed milk
- 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
- A few strands of saffron
- Slivered almonds and pistachios for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a pan, heat the ghee and fry the bread slices until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
- In another pan, prepare a simple syrup by boiling sugar and water together until the sugar is dissolved. Dip the fried bread slices in the syrup for a few seconds, then remove and arrange in a serving dish.
- In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat the milk and condensed milk. Add cardamom powder and saffron. Simmer until the milk is reduced by half and thickens.
- Pour the thickened milk over the bread slices, ensuring they are well covered.
- Garnish with slivered almonds and pistachios. Chill in the refrigerator before serving.
Unlock the secrets to creating the decadent Shahi Tukda with our comprehensive guide. This Mughal-era dessert features pieces of bread that are fried until golden and crispy, then drenched in a fragrant, saffron-infused milk syrup, and garnished with a rich layer of creamy rabri. Learn how to perfectly balance the textures and flavors, from the crispness of the bread to the smoothness of the rabri, ensuring a harmonious blend that’s irresistibly rich. Shahi Tukda is a celebration of simplicity and elegance, making it a perfect dessert for festive celebrations or as a luxurious treat to end any meal.
Shahi Tukda is not just a dessert; it’s a piece of culinary art that showcases the richness of Indian cuisine. Each bite offers a glimpse into the lavish dining halls of ancient royalty, making it a historical and cultural journey through taste. By following this recipe, you can master the art of this traditional dessert and impress your guests with its sublime flavor and beautiful presentation. Whether served at a dinner party or savored as a special weekend indulgence, Shahi Tukda is sure to be a highlight, bringing a touch of royal decadence to your dining table.
