Custard dessert with dry fruits

Introduction:

A custard dessert with dry fruits is a delightful and rich dish perfect for celebrations or a cozy evening treat. This dessert combines the creamy goodness of custard with the crunch and flavor of mixed dry fruits like almonds, cashews, raisins, and pistachios. The dry fruits enhance the taste, giving it a delightful blend of textures and a slightly nutty flavor, making it a favorite for both kids and adults. It’s often served chilled and is a great way to end a meal on a sweet note.

Ingredients:

• 1 liter milk
• 4 tablespoons custard powder (vanilla flavor)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup chopped almonds
• 1/4 cup chopped cashews
• 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
• Few strands of saffron (optional)
• 1/2 cup mixed fresh fruits (optional for added flavor, such as apples or bananas)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Custard Base:
   • In a small bowl, take 4 tablespoons of custard powder and mix it with 1/2 cup of cold milk. Stir until there are no lumps.
   • In a saucepan, heat the remaining milk. Once it starts to boil, lower the heat and gradually add the custard mixture while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
   • Add sugar and cook the mixture on low heat until it thickens, stirring constantly.
2. Flavoring the Custard:
   • Add cardamom powder and saffron strands (if using) to the custard mixture. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until well combined.
   • Remove the custard from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
3. Add the Dry Fruits:
   • Once the custard has cooled, add the chopped almonds, cashews, pistachios, and raisins. Mix everything well so that the dry fruits are evenly distributed.
4. Chilling and Serving:
   • Refrigerate the custard for at least 2 hours or until it is well chilled.
   • Before serving, you can optionally garnish with additional dry fruits and some fresh fruit pieces for a more luxurious look.
5. Serving Suggestions:
   • Serve the custard chilled, either as a standalone dessert or paired with some sweet bread or cake.