Halal Fruit Custard

Here's a delicious halal-friendly fruit custard recipe that's perfect as a refreshing dessert!

 

Ingredients:

For the Custard Base:

• 4 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 4 tablespoons custard powder (vanilla flavored)
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• A few strands of saffron (optional)
• 1 tablespoon rose water or kewra water (optional)

For the Fruit Mixture:

• 1 apple, peeled and diced
• 1 banana, sliced
• 1 cup strawberries, halved
• 1 cup mango, diced
• 1/2 cup seedless grapes, halved
• 1 kiwi, peeled and diced
• 1/4 cup pomegranate arils

For Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons pistachios, chopped
• 2 tablespoons almonds, sliced
• Fresh mint leaves
• Extra fruits for topping

Instructions:

1. Prepare the custard base:

   • Take 1/2 cup of cold milk from the total and mix the custard powder in it until smooth with no lumps.
   • Heat the remaining milk in a heavy-bottomed pan on medium heat.
   • Add sugar and stir until dissolved.
   • When the milk starts to simmer, add the custard powder mixture slowly while stirring continuously.
   • Keep stirring to prevent lumps from forming.
   • Cook for 5-7 minutes until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
   • Add cardamom powder, saffron strands, and rose water if using.
   • Remove from heat and let cool completely.

2. Prepare the fruits:

   • Wash, peel, and chop all fruits into bite-sized pieces.
   • Keep fruits like bananas and apples for last-minute addition to prevent browning.

3. Assemble the fruit custard:

   • Once the custard has cooled to room temperature, refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
   • When ready to serve, gently fold in the prepared fruits into the custard.
   • Save some fruits for garnishing.

4. Serve:

   • Spoon the fruit custard into individual serving bowls.
   • Garnish with chopped pistachios, sliced almonds, and fresh mint leaves.
   • Top with a few extra pieces of fruit for visual appeal.
   • Serve chilled.

Tips:

• You can use any seasonal fruits of your choice.
• For a richer version, you can add a tablespoon of ghee while making the custard.
• If using canned fruits, drain the syrup before adding to the custard.
• This dessert can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
• For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard.

Enjoy this halal-friendly fruit custard as a perfect ending to your meal or as a refreshing treat during hot weather!