All About Basundi | 5 Amazing Facts
Basundi is a popular sweet dish from the Indian state of Gujarat and Maharashtra. It is a thick, creamy dessert made from milk, sugar, and cardamom, and it is often served as a topping for various Indian desserts such as puri or poori.
The origins of basundi can be traced back to ancient India, where it was a common dessert served at royal feasts and celebrations. In fact, the name “basundi” is derived from the Sanskrit word “vasundhara,” which means “abundance” or “plenty.” This reflects the rich, luxurious nature of the dish, which is made using full-fat milk that is slow-cooked until it reduces and thickens into a creamy consistency.
To make, the milk is first brought to a boil in a large saucepan over medium heat. As it boils, the milk is constantly stirred to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Once the milk has reduced by half, sugar is added to sweeten it, along with a generous amount of cardamom for flavor. The mixture is then left to simmer until it reduces further and becomes thick and creamy.
One of the key things to remember when making basundi is to be patient and let the milk reduce slowly. This ensures that the final dish is rich and creamy, with a smooth and velvety texture. If the milk is allowed to boil too quickly or if it is not stirred frequently enough, it can become lumpy or burnt, which will ruin the taste and texture of the basundi.
Once the basundi is ready, it can be served as is, or it can be topped with a variety of garnishes. Some popular options include chopped nuts such as almonds or pistachios, dried fruit such as raisins or apricots, or even a sprinkle of saffron for a touch of color and flavor.
Basundi is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed on its own or as a topping for other dishes. It is often served as a topping for poori, a type of deep-fried Indian bread, or for puri, a type of puffed fried bread. It can also be served with pancakes, crepes, or even ice cream for a truly indulgent treat.
One of the great things about basundi is that it is easy to make at home, and it can be customized to suit individual taste preferences. If you prefer a sweeter basundi, you can add more sugar, or if you prefer a more subtle sweetness, you can reduce the amount of sugar used. Similarly, if you prefer a more intense cardamom flavor, you can add more cardamom to the mixture, or if you prefer a more subtle flavor, you can reduce the amount used.
5 Amazing Facts
- It is a traditional Indian sweet dish made from thickened milk and flavored with cardamom, saffron, and nuts.
- It is usually served as a dessert or snack, and is most popular in the western Indian states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Gujarat.
- Basundi is a rich and creamy dessert that is considered to be a specialty of the Marathi cuisine.
- The dish is also known as Basundi Puri in some parts of India and is usually served with poori, which is a type of Indian bread.
- Basundi is a popular dish during festivals such as Diwali and Ganesh Chaturthi, and is often served with puris or as a topping for other desserts.
Overall, basundi is a delicious and rich dessert that is perfect for satisfying sweet cravings. Whether you are looking for a simple dessert to serve at home or a topping for your favourite Indian dishes, basundi is sure to be a hit. So why not give it a try and see for yourself just how delicious this creamy, velvety dessert can be?
Follow Bakasur For More !!!