Hare Krishna Rabri, also called Rabdi, is a rich and creamy north Indian dessert that’s made by simmering milk until it thickens, and then flavoring it with cardamom, saffron, and garnishing with nuts.
This traditional Indian sweet is perfect for festivals and special occasions and is a favorite offering to Krishna.
Serving Suggestions
Hare Krishna Rabri can be enjoyed with:
- Jalebi: Serve with warm jalebis for a classic combination.
- Garnish: Top with chopped pistachios, almonds, and saffron strands for added richness.
These serving suggestions enhance the taste of meals and foster a sense of community and togetherness when shared with fellow devotees.
Recipe Yield
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings. Serve it chilled for the best taste and texture.
PrintRabri Recipe (Rabdi)
Hare Krishna Rabri is a rich and indulgent dessert, inspired by the principles of bhakti yoga. This rabri recipe uses full-fat milk, sugar, and aromatic spices to create a thick and creamy treat that can be enjoyed at any time of day. In the tradition of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, preparing and offering food to Krishna is an act of love and devotion, known as bhakti. Each dish is prepared with care, mindfulness, and a pure heart, making it not just a meal but a spiritual offering.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts & Sweets
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Rabri:
- 1 liter full-fat milk (4 cups)
- 1/2 cup sugar (100g)
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- A few strands of saffron soaked in 1 tablespoon warm milk
- 2 tablespoons chopped nuts (pistachios, almonds)
Instructions
- Boil the Milk: In a heavy-bottomed pan, bring the milk to a boil over medium heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer.
- Simmer and Thicken: As the milk simmers, use a ladle to push the layer of cream that forms on the top towards the sides of the pan. Continue simmering and collecting the cream on the sides until the milk reduces to about half its original volume. This process may take 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Add Sugar and Flavorings: Stir in the sugar, cardamom powder, and saffron milk. Mix well and continue to simmer for another 5-10 minutes until the sugar dissolves completely and the rabri thickens further.
- Cool and Scrape: Once the desired consistency is reached, remove the pan from heat. Scrape the collected cream from the sides of the pan and mix it back into the rabri.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the rabri to a serving dish and let it cool to room temperature. Garnish with chopped nuts and saffron strands. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving chilled.
Notes
- Variation: For a fruity twist, add chopped fruits like mango or strawberries to the rabri before serving.
- Storage: Store any leftover rabri in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg