Kulfi

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Kulfi
Bangladeshi
Main ingredientsMilk, sugar

Kulfi (

better source needed
]

Kulfi is denser and creamier than regular

better source needed] Unlike ice cream, kulfi is not whipped, which results in a solid, dense dessert similar to frozen custard. Thus, it is sometimes considered a distinct category of frozen dairy-based dessert.[5] The density of kulfi causes it to melt more slowly than ice cream.[7]

History

The word kulfi comes from the

saltpeter for refrigeration as well as transportation of Himalayan ice to warmer areas.[1][8]

Although Delhi has been described as the birthplace of kulfi, Australian food historian Charmaine O'Brien suggests, "...it is likely that [kulfi] originally evolved in the cooler climates of

Persia or Samarkand and that the Mughals appropriated the concept and elaborated on it to create the creamy, perfumed dessert that it now is."[2]

Preparation

To prepare kulfi, sweetened, flavoured milk is slow cooked. The milk is stirred almost continuously to prevent it from sticking to the cooking utensil. During this process, the milk condenses and thickens.[9] The slow cooking caramelises the sugar in the mixture and browns its milk proteins, giving kulfi its distinctive taste.[6][10] The mixture is then poured into moulds (often kulhars) and sealed. The sealed moulds are submerged in an insulated matka filled with ice and salt. This quickly freezes the mixture, giving it a soft, smooth consistency free of ice crystals. Kulfi prepared in this traditional way is called matka kulfi.[11]

The moulds are removed from the freezer 10–15 minutes before serving to allow the kulfi to melt slightly. The kulfi is then removed from the moulds and garnished with ground cardamom, saffron, or pistachios. Kulfi is also served with falooda (vermicelli noodles).[12]

Retail sales

Throughout the Indian subcontinent, kulfi is sold by street vendors known as kulfiwallahs. It is also commonly served in Indian restaurants.[13]

Gallery

  • Saffron- and mango-flavoured kulfi
    Saffron- and mango-flavoured kulfi
  • Kulfi with strawberry sauce
    Kulfi with strawberry sauce
  • Pistachio-, vanilla-, and rose-flavoured kulfi
    Pistachio-, vanilla-, and rose-flavoured kulfi
  • Kulfi with falooda (vermicelli noodles)
    Kulfi with falooda (vermicelli noodles)
  • A vendor (kulfiwallah) selling kulfi in India
    A vendor (kulfiwallah) selling kulfi in India

See also

  • Malai - another dairy dessert from India.

References

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