Shaahi Rose Kulfi (Summer, Slowed Down)

Summer, Slowed Down

Among all the chaos, curveballs, and curve-edged comforts of recent years, if there’s one silver lining that stood out quietly—like golden light filtering through a window—it was this: the luxury of slowing down.

There was something almost magical about it, really. No rush to catch up with the world, no relentless ticking of to-do lists. Just quiet mornings spent curled up with books I’d long meant to read. Comfort shows on the screen, their familiar opening jingles wrapping around me like a warm hug. Late-night movies, cooking tutorials bookmarked with the promise, “I’ll try this one next,” and actually doing it.

But my favorite part? The long, slow afternoons on the front porch—my happy place. A small, timeworn chair, a big stack of photo albums, and a plate (or three) of kulfis. That's how nostalgia tasted: creamy, sweet, icy, and full of memory.

Kulfi, for me, isn't just dessert. It’s a whole season. The iconic summer treat of my childhood—denser, richer, more indulgent than any ice cream. It’s what we waited for during those hot summer days when the sun made the tar on the streets glisten. We'd hear the faint bell of the kulfi-walah and race downstairs, coins clinking in our fists. Malai was always my pick, though now, in my kitchen kingdom, mango, rose, pista, and even gulkand swirl their way into the mix.

Making kulfi has become more than just a fun weekend thing—it’s a ritual. Each flavor is like a chapter of a story, a slice of childhood joy recast in adult colors. I experiment with textures and toppings, sometimes throwing in slivered nuts, other times a surprise hint of cardamom. For pops of color, I don’t shy away from a playful drop of food coloring—it’s all part of the charm.

Freezing the kulfis overnight is like waiting for magic. And when the moment comes to run the moulds under warm water and watch them pop out perfectly shaped and temptingly frosty—it’s oddly satisfying. Like unlocking a memory.

Sometimes I even use ice cube trays to make bite-sized ones—great for those mid-afternoon cravings or when you just want a little burst of sweetness. Around here, kulfi comes in all shapes, sizes, and moods. From elegant servings in copper bowls to cheeky little cubes you pop in your mouth while binging your favorite show.

And while summer tries to test our limits, we're more than ready to keep it cool—one kulfi at a time.

So here’s to starting the week on a delicious note. To porch moments, soft nostalgia, laughter over melting treats, and slow, sweet days that feel like a dream.

Do what brings you joy. Always. Whether it's a spoonful of kulfi or a trip down memory lane ❤️

Cheers, my people 🥂