Basundi is a traditional Indian dessert that’s popular during festive seasons, especially Diwali. This creamy, rich, and flavorful dessert is made by reducing full-fat milk until thick, then sweetened and flavored with cardamom and saffron. Garnished with nuts, it’s a delightful sweet dish that pairs well with your festive spread. Learn how to make this Basundi Recipe in simple steps, ensuring it’s perfect for your Diwali celebrations.
Why is it called Basundi?
The term Basundi comes from western India, mainly from Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, where this dish is a favorite during festivals. The name reflects the slow-cooking process where milk is simmered until it reduces to a thick consistency, concentrating its flavors. Over time, Basundi became a staple dessert, especially during grand occasions like Diwali, symbolizing the richness and sweetness of celebrations.

How Should Basundi Taste
Basundi has a creamy and rich texture with a delicate balance of sweetness and aromatic spices. The saffron and cardamom add an exquisite flavor, while the chopped nuts offer a crunchy contrast to the silky smooth milk. When served chilled, it becomes even more delightful, with the spices and sugar perfectly infused into the reduced milk.

How to Make Your Basundi Recipe Super Yummy
The secret to making the best Basundi lies in the slow reduction of milk. Patience is crucial here. As the milk thickens, it develops a natural sweetness, and the flavor of cardamom and saffron enhances this dish further. Another trick is using high-quality full-fat milk, which gives the dessert a luxurious creamy texture. Finally, serving Basundi chilled and garnishing it with nuts ensures a perfect sweet for Diwali celebrations!

Basundi Recipe
Equipment
- Heavy-bottomed pan
- Wooden spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Bowls for garnishing
Ingredients
- 1 liter full-fat milk
- 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 10-12 saffron strands (soaked in 1 tablespoon warm milk)
- 2 tablespoons chopped almonds
- 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios
- 1 tablespoon chopped cashews
Instructions
- Boil the Milk:In a heavy-bottomed pan, bring the milk to a boil on medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
- Reduce the Milk:Once the milk comes to a boil, lower the heat and simmer. Stir continuously, scraping the sides of the pan. Keep cooking until the milk reduces to half its original quantity.
- Add Saffron:Stir in the saffron-infused milk and continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes.
- Sweeten and Flavor:Add sugar and cardamom powder. Stir well and let it cook for 5-10 minutes until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Garnish and Serve:Add the chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios, cashews) and mix gently. Allow the Basundi to cool and serve it chilled for a refreshing dessert.
Notes
- For an even richer flavor, you can add condensed milk instead of sugar.
- Use full-fat milk for the best creamy texture.
- Stirring continuously is key to avoid the milk from burning.
Read More :
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Kaju Katli Recipe: The Ultimate Guide to Making Perfect Cashew Fudge
Conclusion
This Basundi Recipe is a simple yet elegant way to add sweetness to your Diwali celebrations. The combination of creamy milk, fragrant saffron, and crunchy nuts creates a dessert that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re hosting a Diwali gathering or simply looking to indulge in something sweet, this traditional Indian dessert is a crowd-pleaser. Make sure to try this recipe and bring a sweet touch to your festivities!