Bread Pudding: A Meetha Treat, Made Easy Peasy!

Namaste Dosto! Kem cho? Sat Sri Akal! Vanakkam! (Hello friends! How are you? Greetings!)

Chef Curry Do’pyaza here, back in your kitchens (and hearts!) with a recipe that’s as comforting as a warm hug on a chilly monsoon evening. Today, we’re diving into the delightful world of Bread Pudding – a sweet treat loved across India, especially by our Anglo-Indian brothers and sisters.

This scrumptious dessert often graces tables during Christmas, Easter, and other festive occasions. It’s a dish that brings back memories of childhood, family gatherings, and the sweet aroma wafting from grandma’s kitchen. It’s a truly yummy delight.

A Little Slice of History

Bread pudding, believe it or not, isn’t just an Indian thing. Its origins can be traced back to humble beginnings in Europe. It was originally a way to use up stale bread, transforming it into something delicious and satisfying. Over time, it travelled the world, picking up local flavours and variations along the way. In India, it found a special place, becoming a beloved dessert in many homes.

Get Ready to Bake!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes

What You Need (Ingredients)

6 slices of Safed Bread (White Bread), cut into cubes
2 cups of Doodh (Milk)
½ cup Cheeni (Sugar)
2 Anda (Eggs), lightly beaten
1 teaspoon Elaichi Powder (Cardamom Powder) – for that beautiful Indian aroma!
¼ cup Kaju (Cashews), chopped
¼ cup Kishmish (Raisins)
2 tablespoons Makhan (Butter), melted
A pinch of Jaiphal (Nutmeg), grated (optional, but highly recommended!)

Let’s Get Cooking! (Step-by-Step Instructions)

Prep the Bread: Take your bread cubes and arrange them in a greased baking dish. A square or rectangular dish works perfectly.
Whisk the Wet Stuff: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, sugar, and eggs until the sugar dissolves completely.
Spice it Up: Stir in the cardamom powder and nutmeg (if using). These spices add a warm, fragrant touch that elevates the pudding.
Soak it In: Pour the milk mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Make sure all the bread is nicely soaked. Gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the liquid. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to soak.
Add the Goodies: Sprinkle the chopped cashews and raisins over the soaked bread.
Butter it Up: Drizzle the melted butter over the top. This will give the pudding a beautiful golden-brown crust.
Bake it to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the pudding is set and golden brown on top. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
Cool and Serve: Let the pudding cool slightly before serving. It’s delicious warm or at room temperature.

Chef Curry’s Top Tips for a Stellar Bread Pudding

Stale Bread is Best: Using slightly stale bread is ideal because it absorbs the milk mixture better.
Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will make the pudding dry. Keep a close eye on it and remove it from the oven when it’s set but still slightly moist.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add other spices like cinnamon or saffron for a unique twist. You can also add chopped fruits like apples or bananas.
Sweetness is Key: Feel free to adjust the sugar to your taste.

Cooking it Your Way

Gas Stove (Pressure Cooker): You can bake the bread pudding in a pressure cooker by placing the baking dish on a trivet inside the cooker. Add about a cup of water to the bottom of the cooker, seal it, and cook on low heat for about 30-40 minutes without the whistle.
Induction Stove: Use an oven-safe dish and follow the oven baking instructions above.
Microwave: Microwave on high for 5-7 minutes, checking every minute to prevent overcooking. The texture will be softer than oven-baked.
Air Fryer: Bake at 160°C (320°F) for 20-25 minutes.
Slow Cooker/Crockpot: This method takes longer (3-4 hours on low) but results in a very moist and custardy pudding.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

Calories: 250-300
Protein: 8-10g
Carbohydrates: 40-45g
Fat: 8-10g

Note: Nutritional information may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Drizzle with caramel sauce or chocolate syrup for an extra touch of sweetness.
Sprinkle with chopped nuts for added crunch.
Enjoy it with a cup of hot chai or coffee.

Time to Get Baking!

So there you have it, my friends! A simple, delicious, and comforting Bread Pudding recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Try this recipe at home and share the joy with your friends and family. After all, food is best enjoyed when shared with loved ones.

Happy cooking! And remember, keep experimenting, keep creating, and keep enjoying the magic of food!

Until next time,

Chef Curry Do’pyaza signing off!

Bread Pudding: A Meetha Treat, Made Easy Peasy!