Shahi Tukda, a luxurious and decadent dessert, has a unique charm that instantly elevates any festive occasion. This traditional Mughlai sweet, made with fried bread soaked in sweetened, thickened milk and garnished with nuts, is the epitome of indulgence. Shahi Tukda recipe involves various steps to create this luscious treat.
In this blog, we will explore the origin and history of Shahi Tukda, provide a detailed list of ingredients, and guide you through creating this exquisite dessert at home.
Shahi Tukda – Its Origin and History!
Shahi Tukda, which translates to “Royal Piece,” traces its origins back to the opulent kitchens of the Mughal emperors. This dessert is believed to have been influenced by the Middle Eastern sweet dish “Umm Ali.”
The Mughals, known for their love of rich and elaborate dishes, adapted and perfected Shahi Tukda to suit their royal tastes. Using bread, milk, sugar, and aromatic spices like cardamom and saffron highlights the Mughal affinity for blending simple ingredients to create a dish fit for royalty. Today, Shahi Tukda remains a popular dessert in Indian cuisine, especially during festivals and weddings.
Shahi Tukda Recipe: The Ingredients!
Let’s see what you need to make this delicious Shahi Tukda:
- 6 slices of white bread
- 1L full-fat milk (buffalo milk preferred)
- 200g sugar
- 1/2 tsp. cardamom powder
- 5-6 saffron strands
- 2 tbsp. rose water
- 1/4 cup of ghee (clarified butter)
- 1/4 cup of chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios, and cashews)
- Silver leaf (optional for garnishing)
The Complete Process of Making Shahi Tukda Recipe!
We must follow the various steps of making the shahi tukda recipe; let’s understand them in detail.
Preparing the Bread:
- Remove the crusts of white bread or buy crust-less bread. Chop these slices into equal triangles or squares.
- Heat ghee (clarified butter) in a heavy-bottom pan on mid-high flame.
- Fry the white bread pieces until golden brown and crispy. Place them on a paper towel to drain the excess ghee.
PS: Air-frying is gaining popularity these days; if you do not wish to fry the bread pieces deep, you may also use the air fryer to make crispy, fried bread using minimal ghee.
Preparing the Rabri:
- In a heavy-bottomed pan, bring the milk to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the milk reduces to half its original volume.
- Add sugar, cardamom powder, saffron strands, and rose water to the reduced milk. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes until the milk thickens and becomes creamy.
Assembling the Shahi Tukda Recipe:
- Arrange the fried bread pieces on a serving dish.
- Pour the warm, thickened milk (rabri) over the bread pieces, ensuring they are well-soaked.
- Let the dessert sit for a few minutes to allow the bread to absorb the rabri.
The Process of Garnishing and Serving!
For a touch of elegance, garnish the Shahi Tukda with chopped nuts and, if desired, a silver leaf. Serve the dessert warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
Shahi Tukda Recipe: A Royal Treat to Savor and Share!
Shahi Tukda is more than just a dessert; it’s a culinary experience that transports you back to the opulent Mughal era. With its rich flavors and luxurious presentation, this royal Indian dessert (Shahi Tukda recipe) is perfect for special occasions and festive celebrations.
Whether served warm or chilled, Shahi Tukda promises to delight your taste buds and leave a lasting impression on your guests. So, the next time you want to indulge in a royal dessert, try this Shahi Tukda recipe and enjoy a slice of history on your plate.
