Ever since I came back from my trip to India I have been craving more and more Indian food…the spicy curries, the mouth-watering street food and most of all the sweet treats. The part of India where I have lived for the most part of my life is famous for its sweet shops that fill up every nook and corner of the city. The variety is immense and choices unlimited. Perhaps, that is where my fascination for dessert stems from. I hope to try and recreate as many as I can.
To be honest, I have never enjoyed Indian summers as it tends to be humid and sticky and makes you feel tired easily. But there are some delicious ways to beat the heat and that makes up for everything. Kulfi is a frozen dairy dessert, popularly known as an Indian ice cream. It is very simple to make and does not require an ice cream maker. Traditionally Kulfis are flavoured with spices and/or nuts which makes them aromatic and downright delicious. A lot of people make them at home but the best way to enjoy them is from the street vendors who make them look all the more vibrant with different coloured syrups and condiments.
During the trip, I enjoyed the street side Kulfi as much as I could, eating two or three at a time but I don’t think that I’ve had enough of them. I made them the very next day I arrived in Sydney. But with a berry twist (Spring, I embrace you with open arms)! Cardamom powder is an integral part of Indian sweets. If you do not have access to it, you can easily make it at home by cracking the pods open and passing the seeds through a food processor. The skins can be added to tea to get a wonderful flavour and aroma.
I personally loved the pairing. I was careful not to overpower the authentic flavours of the Kulfi by adding too much berries. As soon as you remove the moulds you can smell the cardamom. One bite into the dessert you can taste the raspberries and blueberries along with the smooth, creamy milk. And you will want to go back for it..over and over again!
Mixed Berry and Cardamom Kulfi Ice Cream Popsicle
Makes 8 popsicles
500 ml full fat milk
1/2 cup condensed milk
1 tsp cardamom powder
1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
1 tbsp sugar
In a heavy bottomed, shallow pan heat the milk and bring it to a simmer (on medium heat). Stir the milk from time to time to avoid burning. Simmer the milk till it is reduced to half its volume and turns a beige color. Add the condensed milk and simmer for 5 more minutes. Remove from heat and add the cardamom powder. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
Meanwhile, process the berries and sugar in a food processor till completely pureed. Add the puree to the cooled milk mixture and process to blend together. You can use a stick blender or a food processor. Strain to remove seeds (optional). Pour into popsicle moulds and freeze for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
There are so many wonderful Indian sweets, too bad people do not know them as much. Kulfi is one of my fav, great flavor choice. And great tip for the cardamom shell.
Beautiful pictures and an amazing combination of flavors, Sonali. I am a fan of kulfi or Indian ice cream. Did you know that cardamom is my favorite Indian spice?
there is something soothing about cardamom,it seems so much a part of the flavor of different Indian sweets and desserts,these kulfis are just bursting with berries and we are so tempted to grab some now,delicious twist with the berries and cardamom 🙂
These kulfi’s look and sound beautiful.. I loved the way you have incorporated berries in the kulfi.. The flavor combination sounds delicious.. This post made me feel nostalgic Sonali.. Miss Mumbai’s kulfiwala’s.. Here in the South we don’t get such kulfi’s 🙁
The word kulfi is already so tempting and your pictures of it is killing me. I haven’t made kulfi before, though been tempted many times and I think I have to make an effort to try out soon.
Looks quite easy to make but I need to replace with some local fruits, maybe pineapples or mangoes.
wowowow, these are such colourful pictures! i love the shape of your popsicles, almost not like your usual! ive never heard of adding condensed milk to popsicles, am i missing something here??
Thank you Em! These are inspired by an Indian frozen dessert called Kulfi which is primarily milk based along with other flavourings. It tastes amazing!
Wonderfully done kulfi’s… Cardamom definitely gives a nice aroma and flavor to these… lovely!
You can never have enough of those street side snacks. Honestly, I don’t let my daughter eat as she seriously got sick for two three years but she does enjoy the some of the ice-creams (cassata, tutti fruity mango) and falooda kulfi. These kulfis with berries look super cute and delicious!
Kulfi is my favourite! I especially love it with lots of cardamom and nuts. I really like your berry version, so vibrant and summery. I was never allowed to eat the street side snacks when I visited India, my parents were afraid that we would get sick, so I would just watch everyone else enjoy all manner of deliciousness. It wasn’t fair.
Nazneen
Your parents were right Nazneen. If you are not used to that kind of stuff, you can fall sick easily. I have grown up eating & loving street food so I don’t care, not that my parents ever approved. I don’t even allow my kids to have a taste and I am careful myself. Steet side kulfi is a safer bet than some of the other deep fried food availble there.
I am so sorry it has been so long since I visited my friend, but this looks absolutely amazing 😀
Kulfi is a favourite since childhood!
Cheers
CCU
I am such a huge fan of kulfi! I haven’t eaten it for a long time, but it’s so, so delicious. I’d really love to go to India one day. I am in love with aromatic spices and other beautiful additions to desserts… the authentic versions must be to-die-for!! Thanks for this gorgeous recipe xx