
Coconut Milk Payesh (Coconut Rice Pudding)

Serves:
4-5 people

Total Cooking Time:
1 hour (including soaking time)
Ingredients:
Lalbaba Gobindobhog Rice - | ½ cup |
Coconut Milk - | 2 cups |
Full-Cream Milk - | 1 liter |
Sugar - | ½ cup |
Cardamom Powder - | ¼ teaspoon |
Cashews & Raisins - | 2 tablespoons |
Ghee - | 1 tablespoon |
Jaggery (optional) - | 2 tablespoons |
Step-by-Step Recipe:
1. Soaking the Rice:
- Take ½ cup of Gobindobhog rice and wash it thoroughly.
- Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes.
2. Boiling the Milk:
- Pour 1 liter of full-cream milk into a heavy-bottomed pan and bring it to a boil over medium heat.
- Keep stirring occasionally to prevent the milk from sticking to the bottom.
3. Adding the Rice:
- Once the milk starts to boil, drain the soaked rice and add it to the boiling milk.
- Stir the mixture gently to ensure that the rice does not form lumps.
- Continue cooking until the rice is completely cooked. Keep stirring occasionally.
4. Incorporating the Coconut Milk:
- When the rice is soft and cooked, add 2 cups of coconut milk and ½ cup of sugar.
- Mix well and continue cooking on a low flame until the payesh thickens to your desired consistency.
5. Flavoring with Cardamom Powder:
- Add ¼ teaspoon of cardamom powder and mix well. The aroma will infuse into the payesh, enhancing its taste.
6. Tempering with Ghee and Nuts:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee in a small pan and fry 2 tablespoons of cashews and raisins until golden brown.
- Add these fried nuts to the payesh for a delightful crunch.
7. Optional Addition:
- For a richer flavor, you can add 2 tablespoons of jaggery (gur) at the end, once the payesh cools slightly. Ensure the mixture is not too hot, or the milk may curdle.
8. Serving:
- Your delicious Coconut Milk Payesh is now ready! Serve it hot or cold, as preferred.
Tip: This payesh is best enjoyed when slightly chilled, as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
