Shahi Tukda (Indian Bread Pudding with thickened milk)

Shahi Tukda: Indian Bread pudding with thickened milk

Made with fried bread, dipped in thickened milk, and dry fruits and infused with a hint of cardamom, Shahi Tukda is the ultimate winter dessert to snuggle with.

Shahi Tukda literally means ‘a royal piece‘ which is a befitting name for a delectable dessert as this. As for me, this is the Indian Tiramisu that says ‘Pick me up’. How can one ever resist this ‘Piece of royalty’?

While I do not intend to play History teacher here, speculations are that this bread pudding is closest to ‘Umm/Om Ali Recipe’ from Egypt and some say it travelled its way into Asia in the 16^th century. But, in their reign lasting 400 odd years, Mughals gave India this glorious dish, from their Royal kitchens.

Here is how to cook this Shahi Tukda(Indian Bread pudding with thickened milk) at home – Pieces of fried bread slathered with a thick mixture of milk and nuts, this Shahi Tukda recipe is a perfect for any festive occasion.

INGREDIENTS:

12 slices White bread slices

Oil / Clarified Butter or Ghee for frying

1/2 cup sugar

2 cup Water

1/2 tsp cardamom powder

For Rabri:

2 litre Full fat milk

1 cup sugar

1 tsp cardamom powder

1 tsp rose water (optional)

few strands Saffron

Slivers of almonds and pistachios to garnish

Rose petals to garnish (optional)

METHOD:

1.  Cut the sides of bread slices and cut diagonally to make triangles
2.  Heat the oil or ghee in a pan on medium heat. Deep fry the bread slices till golden brown. You can also shallow fry the bread if you prefer
3.  Remove the fried slices on a tissue lined plate to absorb excess fat
4.  In another pan, heat water in a pan and add 1/2 cup of sugar to it
5.  Add ½ tsp cardamom to the water
6.  Let it boil for 6-8 minutes
7.  Remove the pan from heat and keep aside
8.  To prepare the Rabri, heat milk in a heavy bottom pan
9.  When it comes to a boil, add saffron strands and rose water and reduce the heat and let it simmer till it reduces to half. Milk burns easily so keep stirring to avoid sticking to the bottom of pan
10. Add sugar, cardamom powder and let it reduce a little more (adjust the sweetness to your liking – we prefer less sugar)
11. Dip the fried bread slices in sugar syrup for 5-8 mins. Soak longer if you prefer the bread softer
12. To finish the dish, serve on a plate and top with the reduced milk or rabri
13. Garnish with rose petals, almonds and pistachios slivers
14. Serve chilled

I have also earlier posted recipes like Mango Angoori Rasmalai & Angoori Rasmalai,  where Rabri making is posted in detail.

Check out more Indian treats, below:

Rava Coconut Ladoo

Suji Ka Halwa

Mango Shrikhand

Chirote

Shrikhand Mousse with Peanut Brittle

Kaju Katli

Carrot / Gajar Halwa

Pista Sandesh

Malai Peda

Shrikhand

Also, visit and subscribe to my Facebook Page: My Culinary Saga to get regular yummy updates.

Find me on Pinterest: My Culinary Saga

Instagram Handle : @my_culinary_saga

Have a lovely weekend.

Love & Hugs,

Trupti