Behold Kulfi, the frozen delight that reigns supreme among Indian desserts! Unlike its distant cousin, ice cream, Kulfi boasts a decadently creamy texture with its rich, milky essence. While ice cream frolics in the airy embrace of corporate churns, Kulfi undergoes a laborious transformation as milk simmers for hours to achieve its luscious amalgamation.
Video credit: Youtube
Kulfi stands as a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of Indian dessert-making. Its origins can be traced back to the Mughal era, where it graced the tables of royalty and was revered for its divine essence. Yet, in the embrace of modernity, Kulfi has evolved and there are lots of different flavours for everyone to enjoy.
Here are the seven varieties of kulfi that are enjoyed by Indians:
Mango Kulfi
Summer is the season of both juicy mangoes and chilled kulfi; hence, the blend of both and creating the delicious, perfect mango kulfi is definitely one of the refreshing summer treats. This sweet treat is made with a smooth blend of milk, condensed milk, and sweet mango pulps, and for aromatics, it also has cardamom and saffron. Kulfi is a different kind of ice cream that is very traditional and rich. It is stored in chilled moulds rather than packed separately.
Pista Kulfi
Made from a base of condensed milk and heavy cream, it is infused with the essence of pistachio paste, giving it a distinct nutty flavour and vibrant green hue. This frozen treat often incorporates cardamom and saffron, adding aromatic complexity. Served on a stick or in small moulds, Pista Kulfi offers a delightful blend of sweetness and earthiness, making it a favourite among Kulfi enthusiasts across the country.
Almond Kulfi
Incorporating nuts into kulfis not only fills the dish with texture but also elevates it to a much richer level. This flavour kulfi is made by blending almonds, milk, sugar and cardamom for aromatics; the bonus is the crushed almonds. It is generally served chilled on a stick or in a bowl for a more easy way to enjoy the chilled summer treat.
Kesar Kulfi
Kesar Kulfi, a revered Indian dessert, captivates with its rich flavour and creamy texture. Crafted from milk, sugar, and saffron, this indulgence boasts a royal essence. Saffron, or "Kesar," infuses the kulfi with its distinct aroma and golden hue, elevating its appeal. Often enhanced with cardamom, pistachios, and almonds, it offers a delightful crunch and aromatic essence.
Khoya Kulfi
Khoya is another popular ingredient in Indian culinary traditions and it is used in various dishes, especially sweets. Due to khoya, this sweet treat becomes more sweet and is delicious due to its creamy texture. Apart from khoya and milk, this dish also incorporates aromatic ingredients like cardamom, saffron and a blend of various nuts. Khoya is basically the base of kulfi; hence, you can also experiment with flavours and variations.
Malai Kulfi
Malai Kulfi, a beloved frozen dessert originating from India, boasts a rich and creamy texture that delights palates across the nation. Crafted from simmered milk and condensed to perfection, this indulgent treat captures the essence of traditional Indian flavours. Its key ingredients include milk, sugar, cardamom, saffron, and nuts, infusing each bite with a luscious blend of sweetness and aromatic spices. Malai Kulfi is often garnished with pistachios or almonds, adding a delightful crunch to its velvety consistency.
Rose Kulfi
Indulgence of roses in Indian sweets is not a new thing, and for making a rich, delicious kulfi, one needs the perfect blend of condensed milk, sugar, and rose essence, or rooh afza. For a bit of extra decoration, you can also add dried rose petals. Moreover, for flavour, some cardamon powder can be incorporated. The rich flavours and creamy texture of this dish make it a widely loved dessert in India.
