Custard Recipe
Custard, for the uninitiated, is a thick, creamy dessert made primarily from milk, sugar, and a thickening agent, often custard powder in the Indian context. The hallmark of a perfectly made custard is its smooth, velvety consistency that melts in the mouth, coupled with a rich taste that strikes a balance – neither too sweet nor too bland. It's a canvas of simplicity painted with subtle flavors, where the beauty lies in its understated elegance.
Ingredients
- 500 ml milk
- 4 tbsp Custard powder Vanilla flavored
- 60 grams Sugar
- 1/2 tsp cardamom powder optional, for an Indian touch
- Mixed fruits like banana, apple, grapes, and pomegranate for garnishing
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by measuring out all the required ingredients. Ensure the milk is fresh and the custard powder has no lumps.
- Slice the fruits you're using for garnishing and set them aside.
Cooking
- In a saucepan, heat 450 ml of the full cream milk on medium flame. Keep the remaining 50 ml milk in a separate bowl.
- As the milk warms up, add sugar to it and stir well until fully dissolved.
- In the bowl with 50 ml milk, add the custard powder. Mix well to form a smooth paste without any lumps.
- Once the milk in the saucepan starts boiling, reduce the flame to low.
- Gradually add the custard paste to the boiling milk while continuously stirring to prevent lumps from forming.
- Continue to cook on a low flame for another 5-7 minutes until the custard thickens to the desired consistency. Remember, it will thicken slightly more upon cooling.
- Once done, turn off the heat, and if using, sprinkle in the cardamom powder and give it a quick mix.
- Allow the custard to cool down a bit before refrigerating for an hour or two.
- Serve the chilled custard garnished with mixed fruits.
Equipment Used for This Recipe
Notes & Tips
- The consistency of the custard can be adjusted by altering the quantity of custard powder. More powder will give a thicker custard and vice versa.
- Cardamom powder is optional but gives an authentic Indian touch to the custard. If you're unfamiliar with it, cardamom is a spice that has a sweet, lemony, and floral flavor. It's commonly used in many Indian desserts.
- Always use fresh fruits as a garnish. Avoid using fruits that release too much water, like watermelon, as they can dilute the custard.
Nutrition Information (Note: Approximate)
Nutrition Facts
Custard Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
197
% Daily Value*
Fat
5
g
8
%
Saturated Fat
3
g
19
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.3
g
Monounsaturated Fat
1
g
Cholesterol
54
mg
18
%
Sodium
91
mg
4
%
Potassium
276
mg
8
%
Carbohydrates
33
g
11
%
Fiber
0.1
g
0
%
Sugar
21
g
23
%
Protein
5
g
10
%
Vitamin A
241
IU
5
%
Vitamin B1
0.1
mg
7
%
Vitamin B2
0.2
mg
12
%
Vitamin B3
0.2
mg
1
%
Vitamin B5
1
mg
10
%
Vitamin B6
0.1
mg
5
%
Vitamin B12
1
µg
17
%
Vitamin C
0.1
mg
0
%
Vitamin D
1
µg
7
%
Vitamin E
0.1
mg
1
%
Vitamin K
0.4
µg
0
%
Calcium
193
mg
19
%
Iron
0.3
mg
2
%
Magnesium
23
mg
6
%
Zinc
1
mg
7
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.