Vegan Rose Basundi with Coconut Milk
Savor the creamy, fragrant taste of Vegan Rose Basundi with Coconut Milk, a delightful plant-based twist on a classic Indian dessert. Made with rich full-fat coconut milk and aromatic rose essence, this dairy-free dessert offers a silky texture and enchanting floral notes. Perfect for vegans, lactose-intolerant individuals, or anyone who loves exploring new, traditional flavors with a refreshing sweetness and beautiful garnishes.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 can (400 ml) full-fat canned coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons raw sugar or jaggery (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 1 to 2 teaspoons rose water or rose essence (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons chopped almonds
- 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios
- A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
Optional Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds or sabja seeds (basil seeds)
- 1 tablespoon warm water or plant milk (for soaking saffron)
- Preparing the Coconut Milk Base: Gently warm the can of full-fat coconut milk in a heavy-bottomed pan over low heat. Stir frequently to avoid scorching, allowing the milk to reduce slightly until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Sweetening the Mixture: Gradually add raw sugar or jaggery while stirring constantly to ensure it dissolves completely, creating a smooth, sweet base free of lumps.
- Adding the Aromatics: Sprinkle in the cardamom powder and stir gently. Slowly add rose water or rose essence, starting with a small amount and adjusting to taste to achieve the perfect floral balance.
- Infusing Flavor and Color: If using, soak saffron strands in a tablespoon of warm water or plant milk beforehand. Add the saffron infusion now to enrich the basundi’s color and aroma.
- Incorporating Texture: Toss in chopped almonds and pistachios for a delightful crunch. If using chia or sabja seeds, fold them into the warm mixture to hydrate properly.
- Cooling and Setting: Remove the pan from heat and allow the Vegan Rose Basundi to cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to let the flavors set and chill the dessert.
Notes
- Choose full-fat coconut milk to achieve the best creamy texture; avoid low-fat options.
- Add rose essence gradually since it has a potent flavor and can overpower the dessert.
- Use freshly ground cardamom powder for a richer aroma and taste.
- Simmer the coconut milk gently to prevent separation and maintain smoothness.
- Lightly toast nuts beforehand to enhance their flavor and crunch.
- Store leftover basundi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat chilled basundi gently over low heat, stirring continuously without boiling to restore creaminess.
- Variations include substituting coconut milk with almond or cashew milk and using maple syrup or agave nectar instead of sugar.
- For nut allergies, replace nuts with toasted coconut flakes or seeds like pumpkin or sunflower.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup (approximately 125 ml)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: vegan dessert, rose basundi, coconut milk dessert, dairy free, Indian sweets, cardamom, rose water, basundi recipe