When you think of South Asian food, a lot of things come to mind but probably not ice cream bars.
That will change after you have tasted kulfi, rich, sweet ice cream made with cardamon, saffron, pistachios, almonds and mangos — but not all at the same time.
This gelato-like concoction is traditionally made with milk that has been reduced like crazy for an ultra-creamy texture, but you can also use half and half, or evaporated and condensed milk. The “original” flavored kulfis often taste of cardamom, rosewater or almonds while the pistachio adds a slightly rich nutty aspect to it. Our favorites, though, are the mango kulfis, which taste a bit like a rich mango yogurt. They get a slight tang from a little lemon juice.
Although kulfi is often eaten like regular ice cream in a dish, we love it when chunks are speared on a wooden stick and frozen. You can find these coolers at a few places on Devon Avenue’s South Asian strip, where the eats are becoming more extensive all the time.
Look for imported (from New York) kulfi on a stick at Rajbhog Sweets & Snacks (2627 W. Devon; 773-761-1888) where a mango flavored pop goes for $1.25.
For a locally made version, stop by Tahoora Sweets (2326 W. Devon Ave.; 773-743-7272). There they make mango, pistachio and original cardamom kulfi bars that cost $1 a pop.