this is my entry to Qurator's hive top chef: Milk
if you are into comfort food you have come to the right post. this dish is fit for royalty yet is quite simple and straightforward. it does take a little time though, mostly to reduce the milk.
here are the ingredients:
1 liter whole milk
7 slices white bread
1 1/2 dl mixed nuts: f.ex.1/2 dl each pistachios, almonds and cashews
1 dl ghee or butter
1 dl sugar
8 cardamom pods
a good pinch saffron
start by simmering 1 liter milk until it is reduced to 1/2 liter. be careful that it does not overboil. i put the spatula over the pot just in case it tries to overflow.
meanwhile chop the nuts
and dry roast them in an iron skillet. when slightly browned remove from heat and set aside.
when the milk is warm remove 1/2 dl and soak the saffron in it. set aside until this turns a nice golden yellow
cut away the crusts of 2 slices of the bread. and grind the crustless bread in a mixer.
when the milk is reduced to half stir in the sugar, keeping aside 1 Tbsp for later
grind the cardamom in a mortar and pestle, save the peels for another occasion and add the powder to the milk
then add the ground bread from the mixer
and stir in the saffron milk. continue simmering until this starts to thicken stirring occasionally
when thick remove from heat and let it cool. it will thicken more as it cools
now spread both sides of the 5 slices of bread with ghee and shallow fry them in the remaining ghee. for genuine royalty the bread should be deep fried in ghee but for us commoners, i recommend to shallow fry. first on one side, when crisp and lightly browned flip and sprinkle with half of the remaining sugar. then flip again and sprinkle the rest of the sugar on the slices. when the bread has become become lightly caramelized it is very hot so don't try to flip it with your bare hands. flip as necessary until both sides are nicely but lightly caramelized. some dark color is fine but avoid burning.
arrange the slices on a tray and sprinkle generously with half of the nuts
then pour the condensed saffon milk over the bread. there should be enough leftover saffron milk to make another round of bread slices either right away or another day. just keep it in the fridge.
finally, sprinkle the remaining nuts evenly and you can now enjoy a treat you won't forget. things are looking up. life is good.