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Eid is a festival of joy and happiness, and no celebration is complete without delicious food. One of the most popular and mouth-watering Eid special desserts is Shahi Tukda. It is a rich, decadent, and creamy dessert that is perfect to satisfy your sweet tooth. Shahi Tukda is a popular dessert in India and Pakistan, and it has a long history that dates back to the Mughal era.
Shahi Tukda and its Origin
Shahi Tukda has a long and interesting history that dates back to the Mughal era in India. It is said that the dish was created during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, who was known for his love of rich and decadent food. The dessert was originally known as "Double ka Meetha" and was made by soaking fried bread in sweetened milk, which was flavored with saffron, cardamom, and nuts.
Different regions in India and Pakistan altered and adapted the dish over time, producing various variations. The name "Shahi Tukda" means "royal piece" in Urdu and reflects the richness and indulgence of the dessert. Today, Shahi Tukda is a popular dessert in both countries and is often served during special occasions like Eid, weddings, and other celebrations.
Traditionally, the dish is made by frying small pieces of bread in ghee or oil until they turn golden brown and crispy. These are then soaked in a rich syrup made from sugar, saffron, and cardamom and often topped with a generous sprinkling of chopped nuts like pistachios, almonds, or cashews. Some variations of the recipe also include the addition of sweetened condensed milk or Rabri (a sweet milk pudding) to make the dessert even richer and creamier. It is often served at weddings, festivals, and special occasions, as well as in restaurants and sweet shops.
Ingredients:
8 slices of bread
2 cups of whole milk
1 cup of condensed milk
1 tsp cardamom powder
1/2 tsp saffron strands
2 tbsp of sugar
2 tbsp of ghee (clarified butter)
A handful of chopped almonds, pistachios, and cashews
Oil for deep frying
Instructions:
Take eight slices of bread, remove the crusts from all sides, and cut them into smaller rectangular pieces. Fry them until golden brown and keep them aside.
Take a thick bottomed vessel and add two cups of whole milk to it. Place it on the stove, and let the milk come to a boil.
Once the milk has boiled, add one cup of condensed milk and mix well. Keep stirring the milk until it thickens and turns creamy.
Add one teaspoon of cardamom powder, saffron strands, and two tablespoons of sugar to the thickened milk mixture. Mix well, and let it cook on low heat for another five minutes.
Heat oil in a deep frying pan and fry the bread slices until golden brown. Once fried, soak the slices in the milk mixture for about two to three minutes.
Take a plate and arrange the soaked bread slices on it. Pour the remaining milk mixture over the slices, spreading it evenly. Add chopped almonds, pistachios, and cashews on top for garnishing.
Shahi Tukda is best served chilled, so refrigerate the dessert for at least an hour before serving.
Apart from being delicious, Shahi Tukda is also rich in nutrients. The nuts used in the recipe are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Saffron, on the other hand, is a rich source of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. This recipe can be easily modified with variations like adding some rose water and serving it with whipped cream, making it richer by adding khoya, etc.
What to serve with Shahi Tukda
Shahi Tukda is a dessert that is usually served on its own, but it can also be paired with other dishes to create a complete meal. Some great options to serve with Shahi Tukda include refreshing mango lassi, a refreshing and creamy drink made with yogurt, mango pulp, sugar, and cardamom that is a perfect complement to the rich and sweet Shahi Tukda. You can serve Shahi Tukda with different types of kebabs, such as chicken tikka, lamb seekh kebab, or vegetarian paneer tikka. The spicy and flavorful kebabs will balance the sweetness of the dessert. Biryani is a fragrant and flavorful rice dish that is usually served with meat or vegetables. The combination of savory biryani and sweet Shahi Tukda will create the perfect balance of flavors. Kulfi is a traditional Indian ice cream that is made with milk, sugar, and different flavors like saffron, pistachio, or rose. It is a perfect dessert to serve with Shahi Tukda, as it also has a rich and creamy texture. You can experiment with different combinations to find the perfect match for your taste buds. The simple recipe mentioned above is perfect for anyone looking to make this delicious dessert at home. So go ahead, try it, and share the recipe with your friends and family. Eid Mubarak!
