Shahi tukda / Shahi tukra is a royal dessert that originated during the Mughal times.The word ‘Shahi’ means royal and ‘tukda’ means piece and this sweet is definitely a rich dessert.
Shahi tukda involves three process making of rabri(thickened milk),frying the bread pieces in ghee and then dipping the bread slices in sugar syrup.Finally these bread pieces are arranged and the rabri is poured over before serving.
Making of rabri in the original style is time consuming, where the milk is boiled and reduced to half its quantity.Some add cornflour,custard powder to make the rabri to save the cooking time but it would definitely spoil the sweet.Adding these flour makes the rabri taste like uncooked wheat dosa batter.So I always prefer the original style of making rabri.Never try these shortcuts and spoil the sweet.

MAKING OF RABRI : 60 MINS

MAKING THE SUGAR SYRUP : 7 MINS

FRYING THE BREAD PIECES : 7-10 MINS

SERVES 8-10

INGREDIENTS

FOR RABRI ( THICKENED MILK)

1 liter full fat milk

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 tsp cardamom powder

A pinch of saffron

FOR SUGAR SYRUP

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup water

2 green cardamom

FOR FRYING BREAD

4 slices of bread pieces

3-4 tbsp ghee

10 roasted cashews for garnishing

METHOD

Boil milk in a heavy bottomed vessel on low fame until it reduces to half its quantity.Stir to avoid them from getting burnt.This will take 45-60 mins.After that add sugar and stir until it dissolves completely.Switch off the flame now.

Add cardamom powder,saffron and mix well.The rabri (thickened milk) is ready now.

Remove the browned parts (crusts) from the bread .Cut them to squares or triangles.Heat ghee in a pan and shall fry the bread pieces on low flame until they are mildly browned and very crispy on both sides.SWitch off the flame.

In another pan mix water,sugar with 2 cardamom and bring it to boil.Let it boil until one string consistency is formed.Switch off the flame.

Now transfer these ghee roasted bread slices to the sugar syrup and dip them well to get coated evenly.

Arrange the sugar coated bread pieces in a plate and pour the rabri over the bread pieces.Garnish with roasted cashews or nuts of your choice.

You can serve this royal dessert either chilled or warm.

TAKE CARE TIPS

Fry the bread pieces on low flame to get nice crispy ones.Do not get tempted to increase the flame.

Making rabri takes time so have patience and do not increase the flame.

You can also add almonds,pista roasted in ghee for garnishing

You can also use wheat bread,multi grain bread to make this sweet.