Shahi Tukray (Indian Bread Pudding)

Ingredients

• 1 quart half-and-half
• 2 cups white sugar
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk , 14 ounce
• 1 loaf sliced bread , crusts removed, divided
• oil for frying

Instructions

1. 1

   Combine half-and-half, sugar, and condensed milk in a large pot over medium-low heat. Bring to a gentle boil; simmer until reduced by half, about 55 minutes.

2. 2

   Dissolve 2 slices of bread in the half-and-half mixture; blend mixture with an immersion blender until thickened.

3. 3

   Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

4. 4

   Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan. Fry remaining bread slices in batches until golden brown, about 1 minute per side. Drain on paper towels.

5. 5

   Slice bread diagonally; layer slices in a 9x12-inch baking dish. Pour in enough of the half-and-half mixture to evenly soak the slices.

6. 6

   Bake in the preheated oven until bubbly, about 20 minutes. Flip bread slices and continue baking, about 5 minutes.