[priya]

A lot of Indian dessert recipes use condensed milk.  Unfortunately this is now unobtainable here.  Does anyone have any suggestions for an alternative and, if possible, not too labour intensive.

I've thought of using milk powder, but I'm unsure of the amount of sugar/water to add to bring it to the condensed milk consistency, if that's at all possible.

I've made that Steamed Yoghurt dessert (bhapa doi) and I want to do it again, but not having the essential ingredient, I'm really in a fix.

[iwanttogoback]

i'm not sure what you have on hand (except i know it's not much), so i'll try and find a few alternatives for you.

here's one:

The best make-your-own version is to mix 1 cup of evaporated milk with 1-1/4 cups of sugar in a saucepan, heat until the sugar is completely dissolved, and let cool. If you don't have evaporated milk on hand either, you can make your own by slowly simmering any quantity of milk in a pan until it reduced by 60%.
(from OChef)

[iwanttogoback]

and some more, but one site did suggest the dried milk/butter version is not the best.

good luck, especially with the bhapa doi, oh heavenly pudding!

SUBSTITUTE FOR SWEETENED CONDENSED
MILK  

1 c. plus 2 tbsp. dry milk
1/2 c. warm water
3/4 c. sugar

Mix dry milk and water. Set in pan of hot water and add sugar, stirring until sugar is dissolved. This is equal to one can of sweetened condensed milk.

SWEETENED CONDENSED MILK:

1 c. instant nonfat dry milk
2/3 c. sugar
1/3 c. boiling water
3 tbsp. butter

Beat all ingredients together. Process in blender until smooth and store in refrigerator. Makes 1 1/4 cups or the equivalent of 1 can.

[jyotirmoy]

I would choose the first one.

[priya]

As much as I'd like to use the first recipe, evaporated milk is also unavailable.  Milk has also just increased in price, so I'm afraid I'll be trying out the "substitute for sweetened condensed milk" recipe.  I also can't take the chance of trying to reduce a few hundred mls of milk and the power goes off  

I'll give this a try tomorrow, hopefully, and let you know how it turns out.

Thanks for all the feedback

[priya]

Here's my feedback

I made the substitute for sweetened condensed milk yesterday, with a slight modification, (almost a full cup of sugar) and the recipe turned out fine.  To be honest, the texture wasn't as smooth as using the 'real thing' but it was delicious all the same.  After adding the warm water to the milk powder, I  blitzed it in a mixie and, when I make it next time, I'l blitz the sugar as well.  I did think all the sugar had dissolved, but the texture, after having baked it, was slightly granular.

It was yummy, and my sweet craving, has definitely been satiated !!!!!   

[iwanttogoback]

i'm so pleased that it worked out, it's certainly one of my favourite puddings.

[priya]

And one of mine too

Kheer is next on the list!!!!