Kulfi is a creamy, ice-cream adjacent treat that is popular in India. It’s a no churn ice cream that typically takes lots of time and effort to make. This is my shortcut kesar pista kulfi that’s just as creamy and delicious without none of the work. It’s also got some healthy swaps like Greek Yogurt and honey!
What is kulfi?
Summers in India are incomplete without kulfi! For the sake of an analogy, kulfis are to Indian people what fudgesicles are to the Americans. It’s typically a delicious blend of milk, sugar, cardamom and sometimes saffron. It can also be made using cream, chopped nuts, or fruit for added variety and unique flavors. Kulfi is known as THE Indian ice cream but in reality it’s actually quite similar to the British creamsicle. Ice cream is usually churned and has a higher fat content due to the addition of cream and eggs. On the other hand, kulfi requires no churning, no eggs and is thickened by slowly cooking milk until it is reduced. Another way kulfi is different from ice cream is that there will be some crystallization if frozen too long because there are no commercial stabilizers added. The other side of this is that kulfi doesn’t melt as fast as ice cream does. In conclusion, kulfi is uniquely delicious.
What You need to make this kulfi
- Greek Yogurt : In the place of cream and condensed milk, we use Greek Yogurt for a healthier, no fuss alternative that still results in a creamy kulfi.
- Ground Cardamom : Cardamom is absolutely essential to kulfi and gives the kulfi it’s signature sweet scent and a slight deep spice that enhances the overall flavor.
- Saffron Strands : This is responsible for the kulfi’s vibrant yellow color and rich taste! The “Kesar” in this recipe’s title quite literally means “saffron flowers”. Don’t have saffron? It’s fine, you can leave it out.
- Honey : This dissolves into the kulfi mixture a lot easier than sugar and it’s my sweetener of choice for kulfi.
- A Slice of Bread : This may seem like an odd ingredient, but trust me when I say it is they key to the delicious texture of the kulfi. More on that later 😉
The Traditional Way to Make Kulfi
Traditionally, kulfi is made by simmering milk for hours which results in an extremely creamy kulfi. You have to reduce the milk in volume by two-thirds which can take a longggg time and it requires frequent stirring so you’re stuck in the kitchen while it simmers. The slow process definitely pays off with an incredibly decadent kulfi that will have your tastebuds dancing. But, I don’t always have the patience for that.
My Shortcut Version
Kulfi has a very unique texture that is unlike any other ice cream. It’s very dense and creamy, with a very slight crumbly texture from the milk solids. This unique texture is typically a result of the slow and laborious process of making kulfi. To simulate that in this instant kulfi, we use greek yogurt for creaminess and bread for that crumbly texture. Bread might seem like a very odd addition to this recipe but blending the ingredients with bread recreates that uniquely grainy texture of authentic kulfi. Trust me, you won’t taste it at all!
How to make the popsicles without molds
If you don’t have popsicle molds lying around at home, here are a few DIY molds that will work :
- Baking tins : mini muffin or cupcake tins can be perfect for housing your frozen treat as it molds into shape. Stick a popsicle stick in there and enjoy!
- Paper/Plastic cups: small or large cups (based on your personal preference) are perfect to replace popsicle molds with! Pour the mix in, place a possible stick and freeze.
- Loaf pans : Pour your kulfi mixture into the pan and evenly spread the popsicle sticks throughout. Once frozen, you can cut up the large loaf into tiny pieces according to popsickle stick placement.
- Ice cube trays : You can make mini bite-sized kulfis that can be a fun treat, especially for younger kids.
How to make instant kulfi
Here are three quick and easy steps to this shortcut kulfi :
- Make the kulfi mixture by blending together the yogurt, honey, cardamom and bloomed saffron.
- To add the grainy texture, add in a slice of white bread and blend well!
- Pour into your molds/ DIY molds and insert popsicle sticks. Freeze until solid.
how long will this kulfi last?
For ideal taste and texture, eat the kulfi within 3-4 days!
Print
Kulfi Popsicles
- Total Time: 10
- Yield: 3 Kulfi 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Kulfi is a creamy, ice-cream adjacent treat that is popular in India. It’s a no churn ice cream that typically takes lots of time and effort to make. This is my shortcut kesar pista kulfi that’s just as creamy and delicious without none of the work. It’s also got some healthy swaps like Greek Yogurt and honey!
Ingredients
- 1 cup Greek Yogurt
- 3 tbsp honey, or more if you like it sweeter
- 3–4 strands of saffron
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom (elachi, remove outer skin and crushed)
- 6 Shelled Pistachios
- 1 slice of white bread
Instructions
- Pour the milk into a microwave safe mug and microwave for 15 seconds. Add the strands of saffron to the warmed milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Add the saffron, milk, greek yogurt, honey and cardamom to a blender or food processor and blend well. Add in the slice of bread and blend for 1 minutes. You want to make sure the bread is completely broken up.
- Chop up the pistachios. You can either mix it in or use it decorate the mold & make it pretty. I place the chopped pistachio on the mold and then pour in the blended Greek Yogurt kulfi mixture.
- Cover and freeze at least 5 hours or overnight for best results. Enjoy!
Make sure to take a picture & tag @eatsbyramya on Instagram to be feature!
- Prep Time: 10
- Cuisine: Indian
Amazing recipe and had so much fun making this 😍😍
★★★★★
I made these kulfis last week as I was craving them so badly but was too lazy to make it the traditional more complicated way. So I gave these a try and I’m not exaggerating when I say they were gone within 30 seconds my whole family loved and they are must try. Easy and tasty!
★★★★★