Basundi

Significance

Bhai Bij (also known as Bhai Dooj, Bhai Tika, or Bhai Phonta) is a Hindu holiday celebrating siblings' duties and blessings for each other. Traditionally brothers will give their sisters gifts and blessings and in return sisters will invite their brothers for a meal or make them sweets. Among those foods is Basundi, a sweetened milk based dessert that can be served hot or cold. It contains spices and nuts and is a fun and simple way to explore west Indian snacks. Basundi is usually served with Puri, a type of Indian deep fried flatbread but if you can't find any, feel free to substitute with a different fried or toasted flatbread or even regular ol' toast! Note: you can skip the condensed milk if you don't have any or can't find any and replace it with 60 grams of sugar. You'll have to simmer the milk a little longer to achieve the right consistency.

Preparation:

1) Bring the milk to a boil over medium heat (with condensed milk if you're using it) and boil while stirring constantly for about 20 to 25 minutes. If you're not using the condensed milk then aim to reduce the milk by about half, this should take about 35 to 40 minutes. Make sure the milk solids do not burn to the bottom of the pot.

2) Add the spices and nuts (and sugar if you're not using condensed milk) and simmer for a five more minutes.

3) Take off of the stove and serve warm or chilled.

4) Feel free to add any dried or fresh fruits that you enjoy!