Coconut Milk Payesh (Coconut Rice Pudding)

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.