Kesar pudding is a delicious and aromatic dessert prepared with saffron-infused milk, fresh cream, and condensed milk. The pudding is thickened using cornstarch and flavored with cardamom and rose water for a rich taste. Roasted nuts like almonds, cashews, and pistachios add crunch and enhance its flavor. This dessert is easy to make and can be enjoyed warm in winter or chilled in summer. The saffron lends a beautiful golden color, making it visually appealing. Perfect for festive occasions, it's a comforting treat for all sweet lovers.
Ingredients:
For the Pudding Base:
- 2 cups full-fat milk
- 1/2 cup fresh cream (for extra richness)
- 1/2 cup condensed milk (or 1/3 cup sugar)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or rice flour for a traditional touch)
- 1/4 cup warm milk (to dissolve saffron)
- 8 10 saffron strands (Kesar)
- 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 1 teaspoon rose water (optional)
For Garnishing:
- 8 10 almonds (slivered)
- 6 7 pistachios (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon chopped cashews
- 1 teaspoon ghee (to roast nuts)
- Edible silver leaf (optional)
Step 1: Preparing the Saffron Infusion
- Take 1/4 cup of warm milk in a small bowl.
- Add saffron strands to it and let it soak for at least 15 minutes.
- This helps release the deep golden color and enhances the flavor of the pudding.
Step 2: Heating the Milk & Adding Flavors
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat 2 cups of full-fat milk on low flame.
- Stir occasionally to prevent burning at the bottom.
- Add condensed milk (or sugar if using instead) and mix well.
- Pour in the saffron-infused milk and stir continuously.
- Add cardamom powder for extra fragrance and mix.
Step 3: Thickening the Pudding
- In a separate bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to form a smooth slurry.
- Slowly pour this slurry into the boiling milk while stirring continuously.
- Cook on low heat, stirring until the mixture thickens into a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Add fresh cream and continue cooking for another 2 minutes to enhance the richness.
Step 4: Roasting & Adding Nuts
- In a small pan, heat 1 teaspoon of ghee.
- Add chopped almonds, cashews, and pistachios. Roast for 1 2 minutes until they turn slightly golden.
- Add the roasted nuts to the pudding and mix gently.
Step 5: Final Touch & Serving
- Turn off the heat and add a teaspoon of rose water for a floral hint (optional).
- Transfer the pudding to serving bowls.
- Garnish with slivered almonds, chopped pistachios, and a touch of silver leaf for an elegant presentation.
- Serve warm in winter or refrigerate for a few hours for a chilled version.
Tips for Perfect Kesar Pudding:
- Use full-fat milk for a creamier texture.
- Soak saffron in warm milk for better color and flavor.
- Adjust sugar or condensed milk based on your sweetness preference.
- Stir continuously while adding cornstarch to avoid lumps.
- Serve warm in winter for a comforting dessert.
Enjoy this rich, aromatic Kesar Pudding, a perfect blend of creamy texture and saffron-infused goodness.