Basundi - A Western Indian Milk Dessert

Basundi is a very popular western Indian dessert served on all special occasions in Gujrat and Maharashtra.
I first ate this dessert in Mumbai and loved it instantly.
A very easy to make dessert and requires no special ingredients other than those always available in our kitchen.
This dessert involves reducing the milk to half its quantity by continuously boiling the milk. Remember Basundi made from 200 ml of milk would be sufficient for just one person, hence when making this dessert for parties would mean more quantity of milk and a little more time.
However, its one of the most easy to make party desserts as they can be served in individual bowls and refrigerated a few hours before.


Serves 1
Ingredients:
Milk - 200 ml
Sugar - 1 tsp
Cardamom/Elaichi powder - 1/4 tsp
Saffron or Kesar strands - 2
Roasted Almonds and Pistachios for garnishing


Method:
Bring the milk to boil in a large heavy bottomed pan. Now reduce the flame and allow the milk to reduce to half its quantity. Keep scrapping the sides of the vessel, and add it back to the boiling milk to make it thicker and creamy.
Now add sugar and keep boiling for another 5 minutes. Add cardamom powder and kesar and boil for 5 more minutes, mixing well.
Garnish with roasted almonds and pistachios.
Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.
Serve chilled.