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Indian Milk Pudding

Serves 4 to 6 Dessert vegetarian, Desserts

Indian Milk Pudding

Indian Milk Pudding, or "doodh ka halwa" as it is affectionately known in many Indian households, finds its place on the table during those cherished moments when simplicity and comfort are most desired. This dish is a staple in family kitchens, often prepared without fuss yet with great care, embodying the warmth of home-cooked meals. It's not tied to a specific festival, but rather graces the table whenever a sweet, soothing indulgence is called for.

The pudding is a creamy delight, with the richness of milk and the subtle sweetness of sugar mingling harmoniously. It is thickened just right with starch, creating a lush texture that envelopes the palate with every spoonful. A hint of vanilla lingers, adding a gentle fragrance that elevates the experience from simple to sublime. This is a dessert that invites you to savor its comforting embrace, spoonful by spoonful.

Ingredients

  • 1 Lmilk
  • 100 gsugar
  • 40 gstarch
  • 1 tspvanilla

Method

  1. Begin by pouring 1 liter of milk into a heavy-bottomed saucepan. This type of pan helps prevent the milk from scorching as it heats. Place the saucepan over medium heat and allow the milk to come to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent a skin from forming on the surface.
  2. While the milk is heating, measure out 40 grams of starch in a small bowl. Gradually add a few tablespoons of the warm milk to the starch, stirring continuously to create a smooth slurry. This step prevents lumps from forming when the starch is added to the larger pot of milk.
  3. Once the milk reaches a simmer, add 100 grams of sugar to the saucepan. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved, ensuring the sweetness is evenly distributed throughout the milk. The milk should have a slightly thicker consistency and a sweet aroma at this point.
  4. Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour the starch slurry into the simmering milk, stirring constantly. Continue to cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency. You will know it's ready when the mixture coats the back of a spoon and holds a line drawn through it with your finger.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. The vanilla will add a fragrant note to the pudding, enhancing its overall flavor profile. Mix well to ensure the vanilla is fully incorporated into the pudding.
  6. Transfer the pudding into individual serving dishes or a large bowl. Allow it to cool slightly before covering with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming.
  7. Chill the pudding in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until it is fully set and firm to the touch. The pudding should have a smooth, creamy texture when ready to serve.
  8. Before serving, you may optionally garnish the pudding with a sprinkle of nuts or a drizzle of syrup for added texture and flavor. Serve the Indian Milk Pudding chilled, allowing its delicate sweetness and creamy texture to be the highlight of your meal.
Cover of Authentic Indian Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Indian Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Indian Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Indian volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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