Basundi

I had basundi as a very young kid, and had forgotten about it for many years.  After about 15 years, the first time I had it was my own.  I usually try to make items with minimal ingredient needs but am willing to put in effort.  This is one of those simple yet time-consuming options.  Its appeal is from the richness of the ingredients, so definitely not for the calorie-counters.

Here's my version - This makes dessert quantity for 2.

What you need:

• Half & Half - 1 pint
• Milk (optional) - 1/2 cup
• Sugar - 6 Tbs
• Pistachios & Almonds - handful
• Cardamom/Elaichi - pinch

Method:

1. Simmer the half & half (and milk) on low heat in a big saucepan, while stirring often until it thickens further and the quantity reduces in half. (about 45 mins)
2. Add sugar and simmer for another 15 mins.
3. Add crushed/ground nuts and cardamom and remove from heat.

Tastes amazing warm or chilled.  I had one cup each way :P

 

Banana Date Sweet - Super Quick and Easy!!

I had about 10 minutes this morning to make a small amount of some sweet as offerings to God, and I ended up finishing it off in just 5 minutes.  Here's what I came up with.  It was quick, healthy, and yummy!!


What you need:

• Banana (ripe) - 1
• Pitted Dates - 5-6
• Ghee or butter - 1 Tbs
• Milk - splash
• Cardamon/elaichi - a pinch

Method:

Add chopped pieces of banana and dates to heated ghee/butter and fry for about 2 minutes.  Add the milk and mix for a couple more minutes until it all becomes mushy.  Add the cardamom, and enjoy!!

P.S. I have a bunch more pending recipes to post. Stay tuned :)

Carrot Kheer for Krishna

Been preoccupied with stuff, but I've still been cooking.  Krishna Jayanthi was a couple of weeks back, and I decided to make yummy treats for Krishna.  The main item was carrot kheer, but I accompanied with Panchamritham (fruit salad in honey) and a butter/sugar mixture.

Carrot Kheer, I discovered is probably one of the easiest Indian desserts that is also so healthy.  I had it for dinner for the next few days, without any guilt, because it was basically just carrot milk :)  Also, I eyeballed all the quantities, so it's definitely an easy Indian sweet to start with.


Here's what you need:

• Carrots - 3
• Milk - about 2 cups
• Sugar - about 1/4 cup
• Unsalted raw Cashews - 10
• Elachi - 1/4 tsp
• Ghee - 2 tsp

Method :

1. Cut the carrot into large pieces (halves or thirds) and pressure cook for about 20 minutes.
2. Once it cools, the peel slides off so easily.  Peel & blend into a smooth paste.
3. In a small pan, add ghee to fry the cashews and set aside.
4. In a heavy bottom pot, heat the milk until it boils.
5. Add the carrot paste and sugar and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
6. Finish by adding the elachi powder and cashews.

It tastes yum warm, but even better chilled!