Shahi Tukda (Indian Bread Pudding) Recipe

This is the second recipe I am putting up on my website. And those who read my previous blog, will be knowing that this is not just the second recipe it is also the second dessert recipe I am posting.

Desserts have always been my favourite part of the meal. And I keep trying out varieties of desserts from different parts of the world. Traditional Indian sweets intrigue me the most! Hence, you’ll get updated with more such recipes on my website in future as well. So, stay tuned for that!

Now let’s dive into today’s dish!

The words ‘Shahi Tukda’ literally translate to ‘piece of royalty’. And it does absolute justice to its name!

Shahi Tukda, or Shahi Tukra is a traditional Indian bread pudding which is originated in the Mughal era and is quite a popular dessert item in Hyderabad. It is also very popular in other regions of India like Rajasthan.

This recipe is has four parts: chashni/sheera(sugar syrup), fried bread, rabri, and finally the plating.

INGREDIENTS

For Chashni/Sheera/Sugar Syrup

• Sugar 1cup
• Water 1cup
• Saffron 7-8 strands
• Kewra Water ½ tsp
• Rose Water ½ tsp

For Bread

• Bread 6 slices (each slice cut into two triangular or square pieces)
• Ghee ½ cup

For Rabri

• Milk 500ml
• Saffron 5-6 strands
• Condensed Milk(½ cup) or Milk Powder(¾ cup)
• 1tsp cardamom/elaichi powder

For Garnishing

• Finely sliced or chopped pistachios and almonds
• Few saffron strands

STEPS:

To prepare the Chashni/Sheera/Sugar Syrup:

1. Add the sugar and water in a bowl and turn on the gas. Let the sugar completely melt in the water.

2. Add saffron, rose water and kewra water.

3. Keep boiling until the consistency of the sugar syrup gets thicker.

4. If the sugar syrup has two strings when you press it with your fingers, know it is done.

5. Keep it aside and let it cool.
To prepare the rabri:

1. Start boiling the milk in a saucepan. Make sure it is boiling on low flame and keep stirring every 1 minute so that the milk doesn’t burn or get stuck at the bottom of the pan. Let the consistency get thicker.

2. Add the condensed milk or milk powder.

Note: This step is only there to make the process faster. So, you can skip this step and instead add more milk and 1tbsp sugar while boiling.

3. Add saffron strands and cardamom powder and keep boiling until the rabri has a thick custard like consistency.

4. Let it cool once it is done.

To prepare the bread:

1. Heat the ghee in a pan.

Note: Make sure the ghee doesn’t start burning. Or else, the bread will get over fried in it.

2. Fry the bread pieces in the ghee till it turns golden brown.

3. Next, let them soak in the sugar syrup.

4. Once they are done, now it is time to incorporate all the items and plate the dish.

To plate:

1. Place the soaked bread slices on a plate.

2. Make a layer of rabri on each of the slices.

3. Garnish it will sliced almonds and pistachios.

4. As a final touch, sprinkle some saffron strands on top.

Here goes a plate full of royalty!

Bring this culinary heritage to your home! Try out this famous Hyderabadi recipe and share your experience.

Also, this is not something you would want to make or eat everyday, since it is high on calories. So, enjoy that one time you decide to make and savour this dish.

For another quick sweet snack recipe, click here!

And do not forget to check out my Instagram Page!

Have a SWEET day!