Creating Festive Desserts with Gulkand: A Sweet Celebration

Festivals are a time for joy, family gatherings, and, of course, delicious food. One ingredient that can elevate your festive desserts is Gulkand, a sweet preserve made from only Desi Gulab and Dhaagewali Mishri here at Vedic Mother. Known for its rich, floral flavour and numerous health benefits, Gulkand adds a unique touch to traditional and modern desserts. Let's explore a variety of festive desserts that can be made using Gulkand, perfect for celebrating any special occasion.

1. Gulkand Gulab Jamun

Gulab Jamun is a classic Indian dessert, and adding Gulkand takes it to the next level.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk powder
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup ghee
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup Gulkand
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

• Prepare the dough: In a bowl, mix milk powder, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and ghee. Gradually add milk to form a soft dough.
• Stuff with Gulkand: Divide the dough into small balls. Flatten each ball, place a small spoonful of Gulkand in the center, and roll it back into a ball.
• Fry the balls: Heat oil in a pan and fry the balls on medium heat until golden brown.
• Make the syrup: Boil sugar and water to make a simple syrup. Add the fried balls to the hot syrup and let them soak for at least 30 minutes before serving.

2. Gulkand Cheesecake

A fusion of traditional and contemporary flavors, Gulkand cheesecake is sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers or digestive biscuits
• 1/4 cup melted butter

For the Filling:

• 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup Gulkand
• 1 tsp rose water (optional)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

1. Prepare the Crust:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers or digestive biscuits with melted butter. Mix well until the mixture resembles wet sand.
• Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan to form an even layer. Use the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass to press it down firmly.
• Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.

2. Make the Filling:

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
• Add the sweetened condensed milk, Gulkand, rose water (if using), lemon juice, and cornstarch. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth.

3. Assemble the Cheesecake:

• Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Spread it out evenly.
• Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.

4. Bake the Cheesecake:

• Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).
• Bake the cheesecake in the oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are slightly golden. The center should still have a slight jiggle.
• Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly open for an hour. This helps prevent cracks.

5. Chill and Serve:

• After the cheesecake has cooled to room temperature, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
• Before serving, remove the cheesecake from the springform pan.
• Top with whipped cream and garnish with rose petals if desired.

3. Gulkand Sandesh

This Bengali sweet is easy to make and incredibly delicious with a Gulkand twist.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh paneer (cottage cheese)
• 1/2 cup powdered mishri/ jaggery
• 1/4 cup Gulkand
• 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
• Rose petals for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the paneer: Crumble the paneer and knead until smooth.
2. Mix ingredients: Add powdered mishri, Gulkand, and cardamom powder to the paneer. Mix well.
3. Shape the Sandesh: Divide the mixture into small portions and shape into balls or flatten into discs.
4. Garnish: Decorate with rose petals. Chill before serving.

4. Gulkand Phirni

Phirni is a creamy rice pudding that’s made even more luxurious with the addition of Gulkand.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup rice, soaked and ground into a coarse paste
• 4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup sugar/mishri
• 1/4 cup Gulkand
• 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
• Saffron strands (optional)
• Nuts and rose petals for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the rice: In a heavy-bottomed pan, bring milk to a boil. Add the rice paste and cook on low heat, stirring continuously until thickened.
2. Add sweetness: Stir in sugar, Gulkand, cardamom powder, and saffron (if using). Cook for a few more minutes.
3. Chill and serve: Pour the Phirni into serving bowls and let it cool. Garnish with nuts and rose petals before serving chilled.

5. Gulkand Modak

Perfect for Ganesh Chaturthi, Gulkand Modaks are a delightful twist on the traditional offering.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice flour
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 1 tbsp ghee
• 1/2 cup Gulkand
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the dough: Boil water with a pinch of salt and ghee. Add rice flour and stir until it forms a dough. Cover and let it cool slightly.
2. Shape the Modaks: Knead the dough until smooth. Take small portions and shape into small cups, fill with Gulkand, and seal the edges to form Modaks.
3. Steam: Steam the Modaks for 10-15 minutes. Let them cool before serving.

Gulkand is a versatile ingredient that can transform your festive desserts into unforgettable culinary delights. Whether you're making traditional sweets like Gulab Jamun and Modak or modern treats like cheesecake and ice cream, Gulkand adds a unique flavor and numerous health benefits. Try these recipes and bring the sweet, natural essence of our Homemade Gulkand to your celebrations.