What is Kulfi?
Kulfi is a frozen South Asian treat traditionally made by a prolonged cooking of milk and often khoya and flavoured a range of different ways. From the now ubiquitious mango kulfi to kesar kulfi to malai kulfi, many variations abound. This one pays homage to the simple kulfi of my youth, to the clean flavours of my mamas kitchen and to the crunch bedecked kulfi of my favourite Karachi haunt.
Kinds of Kulfi Recipes
There are essentially two variations on Kulfi recipes
No cook Kulfi: The No Cook Kulfi recipes are usually quite tasty but a little icy unless they require being pulled out of the freezer when they’re halfway frozen, mixed thoroughly and put back in to set again. Cooked Kulfi: The traditional way, this requires (like kheer) for you to simmer the milky mix down to creamy deliciousness. I am partial towards this kind and that is the recipe I will share today.
Tips for the PERFECT Kulfi with Condensed Milk
Bring your milky mix to a boil and simmer stirring occasionally until reduced by at least half. Half seems to be the magic amount. That reduction is what cooks out the iciness and gives the Kulfi it’s positively luscious texture. DO NOT be tempted to bring your mix to a rolling boil because it will lead to two unpleasant outcomes for this homemade Kulfi recipe. 1.) burnt milk at the bottom, burnt milk flavoured kulfi. womp womp 2.) overflow! no one, I mean no one, likes to clean burnt sticky milk off their stovetop!
Magic Crunch Explained
When I first made this Kulfi with condensed milk I was going to go simple. Then I was reminded of the sheer joy of the Karachi kulfis nestled in their paper covers, the irresistible allure of their sweet crunchy top. It was a pull I couldn’t resist. It is Magic.
3 Step Kulfi
Step One: Combine Kulfi ingredients in a pot and bring to a simmer Step Two: Reduce the kulfi base by half by simmering for about an hour, stirring occasionally Step Three: Let the base cool and pour into your mould of choice. Freeze till firm. Serve as is or scattered with Magic Crunch.
3 Step Caramel Crunch
Step One: Pour sugar and water in a pan and cook till a rich amber Step Two: Pour over your nuts and let cool Step Three: Chop or run through a mini food processor
Looking for other Pakistan treats?
Caramel Custard/Flan Bread KheerRice KheerChanay ki Daal ka HalwaMeethi Tikiyaan
I hope you try the Kulfi recipe with condensed milk and love it! Rate the recipe by clicking the number of stars on the recipe card and do share your recreations with me by tagging me on Instagram @flourandspiceblog
