A Slice Of Kingliness: Shahi Tudka

Shahi Tudka is sort of bread pudding recipe which is one of the most frugal yet comforting and heart-warming desserts ever created. Though most people choose simplicity with their addition of spice, it should be known that those creamy oozing layers of custard or rabri can complement the dish.

Shahi Tudka is a sublimely saffron-infused, milky and egg-free bread pudding – the flavors and aromas are best described as decadent and royal. It’s a dessert that comes from the Mughals and is as popular today in India and Pakistan as it was then. A traditional Mughlai sweet dish recipe significantly made by deep-frying the bread slices. The fried bread slices are dunked in saffron flavor sugar syrup followed by the topping of lustrous rabri or milk cream. The richness and deliciousness trickle down in every bite.

As its name suggest that shahi means royal and tudka means piece. Another name of the dessert is ‘shahi toast‘. While Mughal gave India many an architectural, literary and cultural marvel and a glorious chapter of history was being written in their Royal kitchens too. It has gave numerous recipes. From Boti kebabs to Galouti, from Awadhi Biryani to Kadhai Murg and Murg Shahi Korma, the culinary genius of the Mughal kitchens is a thing to celebrate. But there’s more to Mughal cooking than just their lavish meaty-fare. But the desi version of bread pudding is crafted during the Mughal era.

Shahi Tudka translates to ‘a royal piece’ or a ‘royal bite’. It is a royal sweet dish recipe is made from rich ingredients. The bread slices are deep-fried in clarified butter and topped with rabri or reduced milk with saffron, cardamom and rose water. Garnished with a chunk of nuts like almonds, pistachios, cashews and decorated with silver or gold varq. Every state has their recipe and style of cooking.

Shahi Tukda also has a Hyderabadi cousin in ‘Double ka Meetha’. But, double ka meetha overall has a slightly different texture and flavor. It is slighter thicker and slightly fluffier. In the native language of Andhara Pradesh, bread is called double roti and hence the name of the dish is Double Ka Meetha. The real taste of the Shahi Tukra comes from the meld of sweet bread and a thick layer of milk cream.

How to make Shahi Tudka or Shahi Toast recipe at home.

Ingredients

• White bread slices 6
• Ghee for frying
• Sugar3/4 + 1/4 cup
• Water 1 cup
• Cardamom  2-3 pods
• Milk 1 litre Full cream m
• Saffron 15-20 strands
• Rose Water 1/2 tsp
• Slivers of almonds and pistachios to garnish

Method

1. Cut the corners of bread slices and cut the slices diagonally.
2. Heat the ghee and when it is hot, deep fry the bread slices till golden brown.
3. Remove on a tissue lined plate.
4. Heat water in a pan and add 1/2 cup of sugar to it.
5. Add cardamom to the water.
6. Let it boil for 6-8 minutes.
7. Remove the pan from heat and keep aside.
8. Heat milk in a heavy bottom pan.
9. When it comes to a boil, add saffron and rose water and reduce the heat and let it simmer till it reduce to half.
10. Keep stirring in between.
11. Add sugar and thicken it a little more.
12. Dip bread slices in sugar syrup for 5-10 seconds. ( or more if you like softer version )
13. Keep them on the serving plate.
14. Top with the reduced milk.
15. Garnish with almonds and pistachios slivers.
16. Serve immediately.