Nolen Gurer Payesh | Bengali Rice and Milk Pudding with Date Palm Jaggery
Aruna
Nolen Gurer Payesh, Bengal’s iconic Rice and Milk Pudding sweetened with Date Palm Jaggery hardly needs any introduction. Nolen Gur is available only during winters and is used to make a whole host of sweets including this iconic kheer.
1/4CupGobindobhog or any short grained starchy rice(~50 gms) See Notes.
1LitreFull Fat Milk(4 Cups)
150gmsNolen Gur, Date Palm Jaggery
0.75tspGhee
1tbspRaisins
1tbspSplit Cashew
2Large Pinches Salt
Instructions
The Preparations
Soak the raisins in 1 tbsp water for 10 minutes or till they swell up. Alternatively, you can also fry them along with the cashew pieces.
In 1/2 tsp ghee, fry the cashew pieces and set aside.
Getting the Rice Ready
Wash the rice well and drain all the water from it.
Add 1/4 tsp ghee, mix well, and set aside.
Making the Nolen Gurer Payesh
In a heavy-bottomed vessel, bring the milk to a boil.
Lower the heat and let the milk simmer for 15 minutes while stirring every couple of minutes till it reduces to 2/3 of its original volume. Do not forget to stir because otherwise the milk may burn. Scrape the sides of the vessel every time you stir.
Add the rice and mix well.
Let the rice cook in the simmering milk for about 25 to 30 minutes till the milk reduces to about 1/2 its original volume, and becomes rich and creamy. Keep stirring every couple of minutes.
Add the cashews and raisins. Mix well.
Turn off the heat and let the payesh cool for about 5 minutes till it is just more than lukewarm. This is an important step.
Add the nolen gur and salt; mix well.
Cover and set aside for 10 minutes. The Nolen Gur will melt in the warmth of the payesh.
Uncover and mix well.
Serve the Nolen Gurer Payesh warm or then chilled.