Step-by-Step Guide to Making Perfect Shahi Tukda

Shahi Tukda is a traditional Indian dessert made from bread slices, soaked in sugar syrup, and topped with a rich rabri or condensed milk. This delicious and delectable dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also for the taste buds. With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you can make a perfect plate of Shahi Tukda in the comfort of your own home.

Ingredients for Shahi Tukda

Bread slices

Sugar

Water

Cardamom powder

Milk

Saffron strands

Ghee or Clarified butter

Pistachios, for garnishing

Almonds, for garnishing

Step 1: Make the Sugar Syrup

1 In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water.

2  Add in a pinch of cardamom powder and a few strands of saffron.

3  Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for 5 minutes or until it reaches one-string consistency.

4  Turn off the heat and let the syrup cool down.

Step 2: Toast the Bread Slices

1  Take the bread slices and cut off the edges to make them rectangular.

2  In a pan, heat a tablespoon of ghee or clarified butter.

3  Toast the bread slices on both sides until they are golden brown and crisp.

4  Once done, remove the bread from the pan and soak them in the sugar syrup for 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Rabri

1  In a saucepan, boil 2 cups of milk and let it reduce to half its original quantity.

2  Keep stirring the milk to prevent it from burning.

3  Once the milk has reduced, add in a few strands of saffron and a pinch of cardamom powder.

4  Continue cooking the milk until it thickens and reaches the consistency of rabri.

5  Turn off the heat and let the rabri cool down.

Step 4: Assemble the Shahi Tukda

1  Take a serving plate and place the soaked bread slices on it.

2  Spoon some rabri over the bread slices and top it with sliced almonds and pistachios.

3  Repeat the process until we used all the bread slices up.

4   Serve the Shahi Tukda chilled, garnished with a few more nuts.

Tips and Tricks

Conclusion

Making Shahi Tukda may seem like a daunting task, but with the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create a perfect plate of this delicious dessert. So, next time you have guests over or want to treat yourself, give this recipe a try and enjoy a piece of heaven.

FAQs

Q1  Can I use whole wheat bread instead of white bread for Shahi Tukda?

Answer Yes, you can use whole wheat bread instead of white bread, but the texture and taste may differ slightly.

Q2   Can I make the rabri a day in advance?

Answer Yes, you can make the rabri a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Q3   Can I use artificial sweeteners instead of sugar for the syrup?

Answer Yes, you can use artificial sweeteners instead of sugar for the syrup, but the taste may differ.

Q4   Can I use different nuts for garnishing Shahi Tukda?

Answer Yes, you can use different nuts such as cashews, charoli, or even dry fruits like raisins or dates for garnishing Shahi Tukda. Get creative and experiment.