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Indian Pista Kulfi Dessert. Creamy Pistachio Almond Cardamom Popsicle. Non Dairy Ice Cream. Vegan Gluten-free Soy-free Recipe. Jump to Recipe
Kulfi is a dense unwhipped ice cream from the Indian subcontinent. The age old way of making kulfi involved slow cooking whole milk till it reduced to half and very thick consistency, then freezing it in molds kept in a mixture of ice and salt in an earthenware(matka) for the soft frozen texture. No Ice-maker needed.
These Pista Kulfi popsicles are easily made vegan with nondairy milk and cream made of nuts like pistachios or cashews. Add flavors like cardamom or saffron.
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Now to the Ice cream. Dairy is used in many many Indian desserts. Milk, thickened condensed milk,cream, butter, clarified butter (ghee), milk solids (khoya), milk powder and what not.
I mean seriously, I do not understand how thoughtlessly we have been using huge amounts of dairy since ages. It takes
– 10 pounds of milk to make 1 pound of cheese
– 10-12 pounds of milk to make 1 gallon of ice cream
– 21 pounds of milk to make 1 pound of butter
– 28+ pounds of milk to make 1 pound of ghee(clarified butter)
Milk from the cow is for the calf to becomes a 1000 lb , slow moving, plant eating cow or bull. Thats totally not even the right kind of nutrition for humans.
This Ice cream however, is a dairy free, deliciously good Kulfi. With pistachios, almonds and almond milk, cardamom and pepper. You can change up the nuts, add flavors like mango or thick strawberry puree, rose essence, saffron strands, or even chocolate. Or add some candied ginger and coat it in some ginger snap crumbles. blisss . What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Pistachio Almond Cardamom Popsicle - Pista Kulfi - vegan glutenfree
Indian Pista Kulfi Dessert. Creamy Pistachio Almond Cardamom Popsicle. Non Dairy Ice Cream. Vegan Gluten-free Soy-free Recipe.
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons raw Pistachios
- 1 Tablespoon raw almonds
- 1/2 cup almond milk or other non dairy milk , or make your own nut milk
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch or any thickening starch, or 1 Tablespoon ground cashew
- 1/8 teaspoon cardamom powder
- a pinch of saffron, optional
- 2-4 Tablespoons raw sugar, powdered ( to taste)
For variations: Add a pinch of black pepper, or a Tablespoons of chopped dark chocolate, or a Tablespoon of ginger snap crumbs/crystallized ginger.
Instructions
- Grind the Pistachios and then the almonds into as fine a powder as possible.(some of it may become buttery, which is fine), or use pistachio or almond butter,
- In a blender, add the ground Pistachios and almonds, cornstarch, raw sugar, spices and Almond milk. Blend well until the mixture is well combined.
- Transfer mix to a pan and bring to just about a boil on low-medium heat, stirring almost constantly.
- Or microwave for 30 seconds. Stir and microwave for 30 seconds again(it should bubble slightly).
- The mixture will thicken at just about the boiling stage. Add a few tsp more nut flour(pistachio/almond or cashew) if you like it the kulfi mix to be really thick. If adding cashew flour, then bring to a boil.
- Take off heat. Let cool a bit. Taste and adjust sugar.
- Add in the cardamom, pepper/candied ginger is using, mix , then transfer to Popsicle, Kulfi, or ice cream molds or ramekins.
- Cover the open molds/ramekins with aluminium foil and let freeze overnight.
- Let the popsicles or molds sit out or dip in warm-hot water to take the frozen ice cream out.
- Serve as is, or in a parfait with fresh mango, pistachio, and ginger snap crumbs.
- Or drizzle some salted caramel or peppered sugar syrup.
Notes
Nutritional values are based on one serving
Nutrition
Calories: 156kcal, Carbohydrates: 18g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 8g, Sodium: 81mg, Potassium: 150mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 13g, Vitamin A: 45IU, Vitamin C: 0.7mg, Calcium: 100mg, Iron: 0.6mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this recipe? Rate and comment below!
Richa,
Your Pistachio Almond Cardamom Pepper Kulfi sounds so good with all of those wonderful flavors, and they are GF, besides. Sending lots of #icecreamlove your way!
Mmm, so creamy and refreshing! Pistachios are such a treat all by themselves, too. I can’t believe how many stunning and creative ideas you submitted to this one contest- You are unstoppable in the kitchen!
i hit some bumps the last 2 weeks. i think i just need a short break to some sunny beach. i think my body is just missing some summer rejuvenation.
Ooh awesome. I love almond milk! And really should blog hop with you, such awesome recipes
That sounds so exotic! I love it, it reminds me of Mauritius, I should try this ice cream, let’s see if I have time, there’s so many wonderful recipes in this bloghop I’d love to try!
Oh wow, thanks for dropping knowledge about the milk industry. Also, it’s great to have this recipe-no ice cream maker needed, perfect when I’m feeling less patient about my ice cream hehe. I would love to give this a try. And oh btw, I couldn’t believe it’s cold in Seattle right now at this time of year, wow!
Thanks RG. yes we got 70s last week and the weekend has been 50s meh. tell me about patience:) with all the nuts, you dont need to whip it. the popsicle is quite soft and also does get soft quite quickly .
Oh my goodness, I’m in love with this ice cream! Blog hop is so great, I get introduced to so many cool new recipes and beautiful foods!
Oh my goodness, I’m in love with this ice cream! I love blog hop – I get introduced to new and beautiful food and flavors.
I love all these wonderful flavors here, plus crunchy pistachio nuts too. Delicious! I have never tried kulfi before, but I will definitely be making these yummy pops soon! Happy #icecreamlove !!!
This is so amazing. I am a vegan and I always wonder what to serve as dessert during family dinners which will prove that we are not missing out on anything. Will try this out. Thank you.
Thank you so much. This is a very rich ice cream and you dont miss the dairy at all. I vegan-ized a bunch of my dad’s fave things when he visited last year and he loved all of them. Some of those are now a staple back home with mom picking up on the changes!.
you are truly gifted with combining out of the ordinary flavor combinations. these photos are absolutely gorgeous and the kulfi looks delicious.