The month of Sawan is underway, and the second fast on Monday will be observed on August 10th. During this holy month, devotees perform special prayers and fasts for Lord Shiva. On this occasion, devotees prepare a variety of offerings for Lord Shiva. If you’re planning to make something sweet and special, custard apple basundi is a great option. It’s not only delicious but also beneficial for your health. Let’s learn how to make it.
Ingredients required for Sitaphal Basundi
Full cream milk – 1 litre
-Sitaphal (custard apple) – 2 large ripe ones
Sugar – 3 to 4 tablespoons
-Cardamom powder- half a teaspoon
-Saffron threads-10-12
Dry fruits – 2 tbsp (finely chopped)
Chironji – 1 tsp
Method of making Sitaphal Basundi
Offering Sitaphal Basundi to Lord Shiva is considered highly auspicious this Shravan month. Bholenath loves milk and seasonal fruits. Sitaphal is a sattvic and naturally sweet fruit. Lord Shiva will be pleased with this delicious offering. Let’s understand its preparation step-by-step.
Boil and thicken the milk
Pour full-cream milk into a heavy-bottomed saucepan and bring it to a boil. Once the milk begins to boil, reduce the heat to low. Stir constantly until the milk is reduced by half. When the milk thickens, add saffron milk and cardamom powder. This will add aroma and color to the basundi.
Add sugar and cool the milk.
Add the sugar and cook for 2 minutes, until the sugar dissolves completely. Keep in mind that cilantro has a natural sweetness, so use less sugar.
Turn off the heat and let the milk cool. Do not add the custard apple pulp to the hot milk, or it will curdle.
Add the custard apple pulp
When the Basundi milk cools down to normal temperature, add the custard apple pulp to it and mix well with light hands.
Finally, garnish with finely chopped almonds and pistachios. Chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours.
How to serve
When your Basundi is ready, take it out in a clean bowl or plate, offer it to Lord Shiva and serve it.