Dudhi Basundi Sweet Thickened Milk Instant Pot Recipe

This dudhi basundi recipe is like a nostalgic hug in a bowl, combining the creamy richness of whole milk and condensed milk with the aromatic warmth of cardamom and saffron. Plus, the indulgent crunch of almonds, pistachios, and cashews perfectly complements the velvety base, making each spoonful a delightful journey of flavors that I can’t resist!

I love whipping up desserts that mix age-old tradition with today’s kitchen convenience, which is why I’m pumped to share this Dudhi Basundi recipe made in the Instant Pot. Loaded with the nutritious ingredients—dudhi, holed up in the kind of grated form my mother would insist was only for cooking, and a mountain of whole milk—that my family has enjoyed for generations, this Basundi comes together so quickly.

The spices—cardamom and saffron—and nuts—almonds, pistachios, and cashews—tell you that you’re eating something that’s both a tradition and an Instagram moment waiting to happen.

Dudhi Basundi Sweet Thickened Milk Instant Pot Recipe Ingredients

• Dudhi (Bottle Gourd): Low in calories, high in water content, promotes hydration.
• Whole Milk: Rich in calcium, provides creaminess, essential for bone health.
• Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness, enhances creaminess, good source of carbohydrates.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness, boosts energy levels quickly.
• Cardamom Powder: Adds fragrance, aids digestion, contains antioxidants.
• Almonds, Pistachios, Cashews: Provide healthy fats, protein, add crunch.
• Ghee: Adds richness, enhances flavor, beneficial fats for digestion.
• Saffron: Imparts color, offers a unique aroma, antioxidants present.
• Rose Water (Optional): Adds floral aroma, soothing properties, enhances aroma.

Dudhi Basundi Sweet Thickened Milk Instant Pot Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 medium dudhi (bottle gourd), peeled and grated
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup condensed milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 10-12 almonds, chopped
• 10-12 pistachios, chopped
• 10-12 cashews, chopped
• 2 tablespoons ghee
• A few strands of saffron
• 1 tablespoon rose water (optional)

How to Make this Dudhi Basundi Sweet Thickened Milk Instant Pot Recipe

1. Start the Instant Pot. Put it in ‘Sauté’ mode and when it’s hot, toss in the ghee.

2. Chop and add the almonds, pistachios, and cashews into the pot. Slightly sauté them for 2-3 minutes until golden.

3. Mix in the grated dudhi (bottle gourd) and sauté for an additional 5 minutes until it yields to your spatula and begins to soften.

4. Terminate the ‘Sauté’ mode. Add the whole milk and condensed milk, then add the sugar. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

5. Close the lid of the Instant Pot securely and select ‘Pressure Cook’ mode, setting it for 5 minutes on high.

6. Following cooking, provide approximately 10 minutes for the pressure to release naturally, and then release any remaining pressure manually.

7. Carefully open the lid, and then switch the Instant Pot back to ‘Sauté’ mode. Stir the mixture continuously until you achieve your desired thickness.

8. Add the cardamom powder and saffron strands. Mix well and let the saffron infuse for a few minutes.

9. Switch off the Instant Pot and incorporate the rose water, if using it. Mix well.

10. If you want, you can sprinkle some more chopped nuts on top, then eat it warm or cold. Either way, it delivers a fantastic flavor that you must taste to believe. Dudhi Basundi is similar in some ways to mathri, and here’s why. Both are rich and creamy desserts; both can be eaten plain or garnished at your discretion; and (the best part!) both deliver flavor bombs when you take a bite.

Dudhi Basundi Sweet Thickened Milk Instant Pot Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Instant Pot
2. Spatula
3. Measuring cups
4. Measuring spoons
5. Peeler
6. Grater
7. Chopping board
8. Knife
9. Mixing bowl

FAQ

• Can I substitute dudhi with another vegetable?Absolutely, you can use zucchini instead of dudhi for a taste and texture that is very much alike.
• Is it necessary to use an Instant Pot for this recipe?Even though an Instant Pot makes it easy, you can also make Dudhi Basundi on the stovetop, simmering the ingredients in a heavy-bottomed pan.

  The Basundi is made in two phases:

  1. Prep the ingredients.
  2. Cook them.

  Seems simple, right? Well, it is.

• Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?Basundi tastes best when made with whole milk, but it can be prepared with low-fat milk for a lighter dessert. The impact of this substitution on the taste and texture of Basundi is unknown, though.
• How do I prevent the milk from burning in the Instant Pot?Make sure you stir often before pressure cooking, and deglaze the pot to remove any stuck bits, to avoid scorching.
• How can I make the Basundi thicker?Increase thickness by simmering longer. This reduces the liquid and allows it to reach your desired consistency.
• Is saffron essential in this recipe?If unavailable, saffron can be omitted, for it is saffron that bestows the distinctive aroma and color on Dudhi Basundi.
• How long can I store Dudhi Basundi?Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for no longer than 3 to 4 days. When it is time to serve, reheat it somehow to a temperature safe for food; do not try to serve it at any kind of room temperature.

Dudhi Basundi Sweet Thickened Milk Instant Pot Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Whole Milk: Substitute with full-fat coconut milk or almond milk for a dairy-free version.
Sweetened condensed milk can be made by adding sugar to any type of milk, but using full-fat evaporated or fresh whole milk is best. Make it low-carb by substituting the sugar for an equivalent amount of erythritol or other keto-friendly sugar substitute.
Sugar: Look to options such as coconut sugar, maple syrup, or honey to provide a different kind of sweetness.
Cardamom Powder: Substitute it with ground cinnamon or nutmeg if you want a different spice note.

Pro Tips

1. Pre-Soak Saffron: Soak the saffron strands in a tablespoon of warm milk before adding them to the dish. This will help release their vibrant color and aroma more effectively, enhancing the overall flavor of the dessert.