Kulfi(Indian Ice Cream)

Prep: 15 min Cuisine: Indian

Creamy, fragrant Indian ice cream with pistachios and almonds, perfect for warm days or festive occasions, offering a rich and cooling treat with aromatic cardamom flavor.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cans Carnation evaporated milk
  • 1 can Carnation condensed milk
  • 4 to 5 cardamoms
  • 10 to 15 peeled pistachios
  • 10 to 15 unsalted almonds

Instructions

  1. Coarsely grind almonds and pistachios.
  2. Remove the skin of the cardamom and powder it in a spice mill.
  3. In a mixing bowl, mix the two cans of evaporated milk and condensed milk.
  4. Mix in half of the nut mixture and the cardamom powder.
  5. Mix well until the condensed milk dissolves into the evaporated milk.
  6. Transfer the mixture into a plastic container with a lid.
  7. Freeze the mixture until the ice cream has set.
  8. Remove the container about 10 minutes before serving.
  9. Sprinkle the rest of the nut mixture on top.
  10. Cut the ice cream into squares or scoop with an ice cream scoop.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, consider substituting half of the evaporated milk with heavy cream. If you can't find pistachios or almonds, you can use any other nuts like cashews or walnuts. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less condensed milk to fit your taste. For a unique twist, try adding saffron or rose water for additional flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve kulfi as a refreshing dessert after spicy Indian dishes like Mixed Vegetable Curry or Curry Bratwurst. It pairs beautifully with fruit salads or can be enjoyed on its own. Garnish with additional nuts or a drizzle of honey for extra flavor. For a colorful presentation, serve with fresh berries or edible flowers.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover kulfi in an airtight container in the freezer. It can last for up to 2 weeks. To serve, remove it from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before scooping. This will make it easier to cut or scoop without it breaking apart.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Kulfi(Indian Ice Cream) contains roughly 2480 calories, with 69g protein, 234g carbohydrates, and 152g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (138% of the Daily Value), iron (135% of the Daily Value), and calcium (131% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 800mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).

2480 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 69.1g 100% DV
Total Fat 152.3g 100% DV
Carbs 234g 85% DV
Fiber 32.3g 100% DV
Sugar 125.8g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 800mg 35% DV
Potassium 2467.5mg 53% DV
Cholesterol 15mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 470mcg 52% DV
Vitamin C 38.5mg 43% DV
Vitamin D 4.3mcg 21% DV
Calcium 1697.5mg 100% DV
Iron 24.3mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Milk Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make kulfi without evaporated milk?

Yes, you can substitute evaporated milk with a mixture of whole milk and cream for a similar richness. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, so adjust the freezing time accordingly to achieve the desired consistency.

Is it possible to add flavors to kulfi?

Absolutely! You can enhance the flavor by adding ingredients like mango puree, chocolate, or even coffee. Consider blending in a few tablespoons of your favorite syrup for a unique twist and to create different kulfi varieties.

How do I know when kulfi is fully set?

Kulfi is fully set when it is firm to the touch and no longer slushy. This usually takes about 6-8 hours in the freezer. To check, insert a skewer or knife into the center; it should come out clean without any liquid ice cream clinging to it.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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