Double Ka Meetha (Hyderabadi Bread Pudding)

Double ka Meetha aka Shahi Tukda aka Bread Pudding...is a traditional Hyderabadi sweet consisting of fried bread, milk, cream, and sugar. Most people from the subcontinent might better know this dessert as Shahi Tukda. In Hyderabad, a loaf of bread is known as double roti(because the dough doubles in size as it bakes). Hence, the name of the dessert, Double(roti) ka Meetha. Basic enough right? This is another Hyderabadi favorite in desserts, alongside Sheer Korma and Qubani ka Meetha. It is super simple to make and delicious to eat. So be sure to add this to your dessert favorites! 

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Ingredients

1 loaf of a good thick sliced bread
(French Brioche, Texas Toast, or Sara Lee Artesano are good choices)
1 quart half and half
1 can condense milk
1 can Nestle Table Cream(optional for a richer flavor)
2 cups sugar
pinch of salt
1/2 tsp Saffron
1/4 cup Chopped Pistachios and Slivered Almonds each
​(or any other combination of nuts you like)
1/4 cup Yellow Raisins(Optional)
Oil for Frying

Method

1. Take the loaf of bread and cut each slice in half. 
2. In a frying pan on, heat oil on medium heat and slowly add the bread slices. Fry to a golden brown color on both sides. Remove from the oil and place onto paper towels to soak up the excess oil. 
3. Take a 9x13 baking pan and layer the bread slices. This should make for about two layers. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. 
4. In a bowl, mix together the half&half, sugar, condensed milk, nestle cream, salt, and saffron. Slowly pour mixture over the bread. 
5. Sprinkle the pistachios, almonds, and raisins over the bread. Cover the tray with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the aluminum foil and bake for another 20 minutes. This last step will help add some color to the top layer and additional time for the liquid to be soaked up by the bread. 

Serve slightly warm and enjoy!