29 August 2020

Payesh / Rice pudding

Payesh is a very traditional and popular dish among Bengalis. It is served as a dessert in occasions such as birthdays, baby showers, and house warming parties. It is a very simple, sweet delicacy which is also offered to Hindu Gods as Bhog. This rice pudding is usually prepared using Gobindo-bhog rice but you can make it with any other short grain rice.

Ingredients

• Short grain rice 3 tbs.
• Full cream milk 1 lt.
• Sugar 1/2 cup. (adjust as per you sweet tooth).
• Bay leaf 1.
• Green cardamom 2 (crushed).
• Raisins 15-20.
• Cashews 10 (optional).
• Almonds 10 (optional).

Directions

Wash and soak the rice for 30 minutes. Drain the water. In a heavy bottom pan take 1 cup water and add the rice. Turn the heat on high and let the water and rice boil. Stir occasionally. When the water has almost evaporated, add the milk and let it cook with the rice to come to a boil. Turn the heat on low and stir from time to time so that the bottom does not burn. It will take 45 minutes or more for the milk and rice mix to reach a thick consistency. Slow cooking in low heat will give the best outcome. TIP: To know when the pudding is done, dip a spoon in the pudding and see how well the liquid coats the spoon. If it forms a thick coat around the spoon and the liquid does not fall off the spoon too quickly, the pudding is done! Now add sugar and cardamom, and stir well. Cook for another 4-5 minutes. Add raisins, cashews, and almonds. Turn off the heat and cover. Enjoy warm or cold! No need to wait for any occasion :)