Bengali Style Kheer (Payesh)
Delicately sweetened rice pudding
that marks
auspiciousness of any occasion. Payesh is a must have for all
foodies - big or small. This rice pudding is often married to patali gur
(jaggery made out of dates). however, the recipe here is simple and quick and
can be made in span of few minutes.
GOES WELL WITH: Puris or just as
a dessert
POINTERS:
·
When dealing with rice, try soaking them for
some time. If you have no time in hand then simply soak it in luke warm water.
·
Roasting Almonds is simple. Take a handful of
almonds and place it in a microwave safe dish. Turn on the microwave on High
for a minute. Do not open the door promptly but at least take 2 minutes and
then open the door - else the nuts won't get crisp.
·
Food is all about yin and yang. Adding a pinch
of salt to desserts adds to the colour and taste of the sweet.
TIME TAKEN: 45 - 60 minutes
INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup Rice
1 Ltr Milk
6-7 Cardamoms
1 Bay leaf
1/4 cup roasted almonds
1 cup Artificial sweetner or
sugar
1/2 stick cinnamon
Pinch of salt
METHOD
·
Take the rice and soak it in warm water for
around 20 minutes.
·
Meanwhile, bring the milk to boil. At the same
time, ground to a dry powder the cinnamon and cardamoms.
·
Once it has boiled, simmer the heat and add the bay leaf.
·
Roughly ground the soaked rice into smaller
pieces. For best results, use a pestle to grind the rice. Do not make a paste.
·
Add the rice to the simmering milk. Let the milk
cook until it becomes 1/2 the volume and double the consistency. Keep stirring.
·
Once the rice is about to cook, add the sugar,
salt and dry powder. In case you are using artificial sweetner, add the
sweetner at the end of cooking.
·
Once the payesh is done, chop and add the
roasted almonds.
·
Refrigerate and chill the payesh in dessert dish
in which you intend to serve.
