Cardamom Pistachio Kulfi

Nov 3, 2026 · By VanillaGoods

Dessert Ice cream frozen desserts Medium

Kulfi is a dense, creamy frozen dessert from South Asia made by slowly reducing milk, which gives it a caramelized, nearly custard-like richness without churning. This classic version is scented with ground cardamom, saffron and chopped pistachios. Makes 6 kulfi in about 11 hr 15 min.

Prep 15 min

Cook 180 min

Cooling 8 hr

Total 11 hr 15 min

Yield 6 kulfi

Diet Gluten free

Ingredients

Adjust yield

kulfi

6 ⅓ cups (1500 ml)whole milk
⅓ cup (60 g)granulated sugar
¾ tsp (2 g)ground cardamom
1 pinchsaffron threads
⅓ cup (40 g)raw shelled pistachios, finely chopped
1 ½ tbsp (10 g)pistachios, finely chopped

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Instructions

Bring the milk to a boil in a heavy, wide saucepan, then lower the heat so it simmers gently.
Simmer for about 2 1/2 to 3 hours, stirring every 5 to 10 minutes and scraping the sides back in, until reduced to about 500 ml (roughly one third).
Add the sugar, cardamom and saffron and stir for 2 minutes until the sugar dissolves.
Stir in the 40 g chopped pistachios and let the mixture cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, stirring now and then.
Refrigerate until completely cold, about 2 hours.
Divide among 6 small molds or cups (about 85 ml each) and cover with foil or lids.
Freeze overnight, at least 8 hours, until firm.
Dip the molds in warm water for a few seconds, unmold, and sprinkle with the finishing pistachios.

Tips

Scrape down the sides often; those milk solids give kulfi its flavor.
If the milk is not reduced enough, kulfi freezes icy, so measure the volume.
Let it sit 5 minutes at room temperature for easier slicing.
Good with hot cardamom tea.

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Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to make cardamom pistachio kulfi?

Plan on 15 minutes of prep and 3 hours of cooking, plus 8 hours to chill. The recipe makes 6 kulfi.

How should I store cardamom pistachio kulfi?

Keep covered in the freezer up to 2 weeks.

Can I make cardamom pistachio kulfi ahead?

Yes. It needs time to chill and set, so it is a good one to make the day before you serve it.

Kulfi is a South Asian frozen dessert traditionally made from milk simmered down for hours, with a history tied to Mughal-era kitchens. Serve it with hot cardamom tea.

Estimated · per serving

Nutrition

Per serving = 1 of 6 servings this recipe makes.

243 Calories / serving

12.3g Fat

24.9g Carbs

9.9g Protein

23.8g Sugar

Whole recipe (6 servings): ~1458 cal · 74g fat · 149g carbs · 59g protein · 143g sugar

Estimated values per serving, calculated from standard ingredient data. Not verified Nutrition Facts; actual values vary with brands, measurements, and preparation.