Shahi Toast (Shahi Tukda)

Updated May 14, 2024

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes (plus overnight chilling)

• Total Time: 25 minutes (plus overnight chilling)

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy cream

• 6 tablespoons sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom

• ½ teaspoon coarse kosher salt (or fine salt)

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 5 slices white bread, crusts removed, each cut into 4 squares (yields 20 bread squares)

• 2 tablespoons roughly chopped pistachios, for garnish

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Cardamom-Infused Cream Base

Coat the bottom of a medium pot or small Dutch oven with 2 tablespoons water (to prevent sticking). Add the heavy cream and cook over medium heat, stirring regularly, until the cream is warmed through (4–6 minutes).

Step 2: Sweeten and Season the Cream

Turn off the heat, then stir in the sugar, ground cardamom, and salt until the sugar dissolves completely. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Toast the Bread Squares

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, reduce heat to medium-low, add the bread squares, and cook until the bottom side is golden brown (3–6 minutes). Flip with tongs and cook the second side until also golden brown (2–6 minutes more). Aim for a light, crispy crust without excessive browning.

Step 4: Assemble in a Baking Dish

Arrange the toasted bread squares in a single layer in a 9-inch square baking dish (20 squares fit perfectly, as 5 slices × 4 squares). Stir the spiced cream mixture to ensure even distribution, then pour it over the bread, pressing down gently to soak each square fully. This step creates the signature creamy-crunchy texture.

Step 5: Chill Overnight and Garnish

Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours (preferably overnight, up to 12 hours) to allow absorption. When ready to serve, garnish with chopped pistachios and serve cold.

Notes & Context

Origin & Title

Shahi Toast (or Shahi Tukda, meaning “Royal Bite”) is an elegant Indian dessert, celebrated for its indulgent, layered texture.

Related Dish: Double ka Meetha (DKM)

Shahi Toast’s richer, heavier sibling is Double ka Meetha (DKM), a Telangana specialty:

• Bread is cut into triangular halves (with crusts), deep-fried until crisp.

• Layered in a platter, then topped with a thickened milk-sugar syrup (spiced with cardamom and saffron).

• The crunchy crusts soaked in the sweet, creamy syrup create a decadent, aromatic bite.

Practical Tips

• Pan Fit: The 9-inch square pan holds 20 bread squares (5 slices × 4) in one layer, as shown in the reference image.

• Bread Thickness: For a “cake-like” twist, use slightly thicker bread slices or extend chilling time if the texture feels dry.

• Flavor Customization: Add a splash of rose water to the cream mixture for a subtle floral aroma, as suggested by users.

Enjoy this regal, creamy-crunchy dessert—a perfect blend of comfort and luxury!