Most people enjoy a scoop of frozen desserts on a hot day. However, with ice cream being more available, people have resulted to referring to almost every frozen dessert as such. Could you have taken kulfi and thought it was ice cream? Probably. While both are dairy-based frozen desserts, they differ based on the texture, preparation method and even taste. Let’s look at the differences between these two. 

What is Kulfi?

With an origin in South Asia, this is a dessert that is made with boiled ingredients including dairy products, sugar and flavourings which are then frozen. However, the amount of full cream milk is reduced to almost 1/3 of its original volume. It is made by boiling the ingredients on low heat. The boiled mixture is then placed in molds and frozen. Also, despite the preparation method, it is available in a wide variety of flavours such as mango, pistachio, peanut and orange. It is mostly described as traditional Indian ice cream and is popular in Sri Lanka, India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Middle East, Burma and Nepal. 

Kulfi has a thick and creamy texture and is also heavier. As such, it takes longer to melt compared to ice cream. 

What is Ice Cream?

This is a frozen dairy-based dessert that is prepared by whipping the ingredients, usually milk, flavourings and sugar cream followed by freezing. Other additives can be included such as fruits. As such, it is available in a wide variety of flavours such as vanilla, chocolate, orange, strawberry and even coffee. Ice cream can be prepared in a variety of ways. Ice cream has a thick and creamy texture, although this does not surpass that of kulfi. 

While it can be consumed in different ways, the most common one having a scoop in a plate or glass or on a cone. 

Is kulfi healthier than ice cream? 

Kulfi is healthier than ice cream given that it does not contain eggs (which most ice cream contains) and has no preservatives not forgetting the use of natural flavours. 

Why does kulfi not freeze? 

Kulfi freezes. However, given that it is not whipped hence a denser, it takes longer to freeze. 

Which ice cream is the best in India? 

Among the best ice creams in India include Amul Ice Cream, Mother dairy, Creambell, Hindustan Unilever company and Arun Ice Cream. However, most people often lean more towards kulfi. 

How do you describe kulfi?

Kulfi is a thick and creamy frozen dessert prepared by mixing dairy, sugar and flavourings and freezing it. 

Similarities between Kulfi and Ice cream

• Both are types of frozen desserts
• Both are prepared with a dairy product (cream/ milk), sugar and flavourings. 

Differences between Kulfi and Ice cream

Definition

Kulfi refers to a dessert that is made with boiled ingredients including dairy products, sugar and flavourings which are then frozen. On the other hand, ice cream refers to a frozen dairy-based dessert that is prepared by whipping the ingredients, usually milk, flavourings and sugar cream followed by freezing. 

Preparation method

While kulfi is prepared by boiling the ingredients followed by freezing, ice cream is prepared by whipping the ingredients to aerate followed by freezing. 

Texture

While both are thick and creamy, Kulfi is thicker and creamier compared to ice cream. 

Presentation

Kulfi is mostly served on a stick or a plate. On the other hand, ice cream can be served on a plate, a glass or a cone. 

Kulfi vs. Ice cream: Comparison Table

Summary of Kulfi vs. Ice cream

Kulfi refers to a dessert that is made with boiled ingredients including dairy products, sugar and flavourings which are then frozen. It is heavier and creamy compared to ice cream and can be served on a stick or a plate. On the other hand, ice cream refers to a frozen dairy-based dessert that is prepared by whipping the ingredients, usually milk, flavourings and sugar cream followed by freezing. It can be served in a plate, a glass or a cone.

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