Caramel Vanilla Pudding (Eggless)

Caramel pudding is actually a continental dessert, but it is popular in India  too. It is a milk based dessert.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

1. Milk - 500 ml
2. China grass strands (Agar - Agar) - 5 gm
3. Sugar - 4 to 5 tbsp
4. Vanilla custard powder - 1 tbsp
5. Vanilla essence - 1/2 tsp
6. Water - 125 ml

For the Caramel:

1. Sugar - 4 tbsp
2. Water - 1 tbsp

Procedure:

• Cut china grass into small pieces. Soak in water for about 45 mins.
• Prepare caramel in a thick bottomed pan by mixing water and sugar. The flame should be medium to low. Put off the flame when mixture turns brown.
• Pour the caramel in pudding mould immediately and spread it by rotating the mould.
• Dissolve custard powder in 1/4 cup milk and keep it aside.
• Boil remaining milk.
• Simultaneously, boil china grass mixture on medium flame till it dissolves completely. Stir it. Strain it through a steel strainer.
• Add sugar and custard powder mixture to the boiled milk. Stir well and bring it to boil.
• Add china grass mixture and stir well. Boil for 2 - 3 min, stir continuously.
• Add vanilla essence and stir well.
• Pour it into the prepared mould.
• Let it cool.
• Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hrs.
• Invert it on a plate before serving.
• Serve chilled.