Everybody knows Kulfi, it tastes amazing, right? This is an Indian dessert which is frozen and it is on the favourite list of most people. Unlike Ice creams, kulfi is more creamy and dense. It has a richer taste which comes with a slow reduction of milk why boiling it. This process enhances the natural sweetness and texture of kulfi. Among many flavours of kulfi, cardamom stands out as a classic and an irreplaceable ingredient. 

As we have heard often cardamom is known as the “Queen of spice”, it is worth the name because of its unique aroma and richy rich flavour. And when you add this to kulfi, it gives depth to flavour which is so comforting. In this blog, let’s explore cardamom in kulfi, its recipe, its history and its benefits.

The History of Kulfi and Cardamom

Kulfi evolved during the time of the Mughal Era in the Indian subcontinent. Mughals used to have a lavish feast, they were more passionate about it. So, this is how kufi evolved with the concept of freezing, the sweet that was made with dairy was frozen using ice from the Himalayas. Over time, kulfi became prime in Indian households and also for street vendors, who started serving it in clay pots called matkas, which enhanced the flavour further.

Here is where cardamom made its place, as we all know cardamom has been used in Ayurveda for thousands of years. This spice has its roots in south India mostly in Kerala, where cardamom is grown in bulk. India’s rich culinary history has the combination of kulfi and cardamom where spices were not just used for taste but also their medical properties.

Importance of Cardamom in Kulfi

Cardamom is a vital part of kulfi to maintain its traditional taste, even though kulfi comes in various flavours. But do you get that question of why cardamom works so well with kulfi? Let’s see why.

1. The texture enhancer: kulfi has a thick, condensed milk base that benefits greatly from adding cardamom. This is how kulfi gets its final touch to maintain the richness of milk and cream and also prevents the dessert from feeling very heavy with its pure fragrance.

2. Aroma and Taste Layer: You have read that cardamom gives a flavour of warm and soft flavour of citrus and eucalyptus. When we add this with kulfi, it creates a layer of sensation. The first bite you take will give you a cool, milky and sweet flavour and next comes a subtle and refreshing punch of cardamom.

3. Ingredients Balance: Kulfi is combined with pistachios, almonds and in some homemade cases saffron too. But cardamom stands as a bridge to combine all the elements and prevents overpowering the flavours while it adds its position as a distinct character.

4. Cooling Agent: Cardamom gives a cooling effect on the body that helps in digestion. And mostly people intake kulfi in the summer season, so including cardamom in kulfi enhances its refreshing nature, which makes kulfi suitable for hot climates.

Health Benefits of Adding Cardamom in Kulfi

Cardamom offers a lot of health benefits beyond its taste. It not only makes kulfi delicious but also gives a treat with hidden goodness in it.

1. Digestion Aid: Cardamom can make digestion smooth. This is why cardamom is added in many of the desserts including kulfi. This spice balances the richness of milk and sugar to give ease to the stomach as well.

2. Antioxidants Riched: The antioxidant properties in cardamom help protect our body from inflammation and oxidative stress. Adding it to kulfi will provide a small amount of antioxidants but a meaningful boost to health.

3. Oral Health Improvement: This little spice has a lot of antibacterial properties that freshen up the breath and provide improvement in oral health too. This is why most of the Indians chew cardamom after every meal. Even after having kulfi, it gives a fresh feel to the mouth.

4. Respiratory Health: The oils that are present in cardamom clear out the nasal passage and give good airflow to the lungs. Cardamom can be a great companion for those people who suffer from respiratory issues.

5. Mood Enhancer: It reduces stress and gives a good mood with its power of aroma. A dessert with cardamom is not just for taste but it is a moment of relaxation and also comfort.

How to Make Kulfi at Home

Let’s see how you can make a great kulfi with the magic of cardamom, Making it at him very easy thank you think. Try this simple recipe:

Ingredients:

1 liter full-fat milk

½ cup of condensed milk

¼ cup of sugar

4 to 5 green cardamom pods in a crushed form or ½ teaspoon of cardamom powder

¼ cup of chopped almonds and pistachios, this is optional

A pinch of saffron (optional)

Let’s start making kulfi,

1. Firstly, let’s reduce the milk. To do this, you have to take a pan which is heavy-bottomed. Bring the milk to a boil and simmer it, you have to stir continuously so that the milk is not burnt. You have to reduce the milk to half of its original volume. Now it will look creamy.

2. When the milk is reduced to half, add condensed milk and sugar to it and stir till is completely dissolved.

3. Then comes the part, where you should add cardamom pods or ground cardamom. After adding it to milk, mix it well. And if you are planning to add saffron too, then priorly dissolve it in a tablespoon of warm milk before adding it.

4. We have chopped nuts now, add milk for texture and stir.

5. Then, after it slightly cools down, pour the mixture into the kulfi molds or the small cups you have. Cover molds or cups with foil and insert the sticks in the centre of each cup or mold. Then put in the freezer for up to 6 to 8 hours to freeze into kulfi.

6. After 6 to 8 hours, dip the mold in warm water for just a few seconds, so the kulfi slightly loosens itself from the mold. Then serve chilled and enjoy the taste and compliments.

Cardamom Kulfi & Other Flavours

As we know, cardamom is already a delightful ingredient on its own but it also works great with a lot of other ingredients, I will list out some here, 

• First, I feel is saffron as it has a royal taste and cardamom too and combining this enhances the richness of kulfi.
• The second that comes to my mind is mango, as it is a fruit with a tropical twist and with cardamom, it’s balanced by its sweetness and cardamom flavour. 
• Then, its chocolate feels like a mix of cocoa flavour and an aromatic spice which becomes a rare recipe.
• Finally, I would recommend rose as it gives a luxurious feel to cardamom. This duo gives a floral and citrusy aroma. 

Final Takeaway

Cardamom gives you an experience which takes you back to your childhood memories, a kind of nostalgia. Each bite brings warmth and freshness and is a complete bliss. Whether you have it on a hot summer afternoon or during festivals, cardamom kulfi remains a true classic. So, try cardamom kulfi at home when you crave something creamy, refreshing and sweet. Because it’s not only a blend of flavours but it is a blend of tradition, health and indulgence, on the whole in one frozen delight.

Related Articles:

• Cardamom in Ayurveda: Traditional Uses for Health & Wellness
• The Secret to Make Rasamalai – The Magic of Cardamom
• Cardamom in Kheer – The Soul of Indian Rice Pudding