October 11, 2021

Paayesh | Payesh - Durgapuja Special Sweet


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Payesh /Paayesh is a traditional Bengali style kheer made from fragrant Gobindo bhog rice . The rice is cooked in simmering milk flavored with cardamom powder and topped with lots of chopped cashews,badams and pistas .  If Gobindo Bhog rice is unavailable you can use Basmati rice . The mild natural fragrance from the rice adds up to the taste of the Kheer .

If you thought Bengali sweets are limited to Roshogollas, Shondeshs, Rasmalai and cham cham ,you are mistaken.  There is a whole lot of delicious sweets which are made from the traditional Nolen Gur and also steamed sweets which are healthy as well as tasty .

My blogger friends Sasmita and Sujata ji have an amazing collection of Bengali sweet recipes on their blog . I have bookmarked the delicious Jaggery Roshogollas from Sujata ji's blog to try out . Sasmita has recently posted a yumm special Bhoger Khichuri which is offered as Bhog during Durgashtami.  

Bengalis and their love for sweet is very well known.  I have had the good fortune of mixing and interacting with Bengalis since my childhood . My mom's best friend K aunty is a Bengali and amma has told me stories about how warm and affectionate their family has been and the yummy goodies that she has savored and relished at her home. 

I also have had my share of Bengali acquaintances at my workplace and savored all the yumm delicacies they would get for us when they come back after the Durga Pooja holidays . Bengalis are very pious and God fearing . Their love for literature , arts and poetry is unmatched . 

The city of Kolkatta bears a festive look during the Durga Pooja season and exquisitie and magnificient Pandals are erected at various places all over the city . Durga Ma idols are installed and worshipped with lot of pomp and fervor . I have been waiting for a chance to visit Kolkatta during the Durga Pooja sometime in future to experience the Divine Vibes that the city exhuberates .



Preparation Time - 15 mins
Cooking Time - 30 mins
Complexity - Simple
Serves - 2 to 3

Ingredients
1/4 cup rice  (Gobindo Bhog / Basmati)
1 litre milk
sugar as needed
chopped nuts 
pinch of cardamom powder
2 tsp ghee

Method
  • Wash and soak the rice in water for 15 mins. Drain the water and mix ghee to the rice.
  • Heat milk in a thick bottomed pan and let it come to a boil, reduce the flame and keep simmering.
  • While the milk to about to boil I parboiled the rice in water until it was 1/2 done. This helps speed up the process of making the Payesh .
  • Drain the water from this parboiled rice and add it to the simmering milk and cook on low flame with regular stirring until the rice is well cooked and soft .
  • Add the cardamom powder and chopped nuts . Add sugar very carefully and keep stirring until the sugar mixes well with the kheer .
  • Simmer for 2 to 3 mins and then turn off the stove.
  • While serving add some more chopped nuts over the Paayesh.
Notes:
  • You can cook the rice entirely in milk . This will take a little longer and you have to be very careful so as to not let the rice and milk burn.
  • Some people add a bay leaf to the kheer . You may add that too if you like the smell of bay leaf.

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12 comments:

  1. This Payesh looks so rich and creamy. The pic gives a divine feel. I love this bengali style payesh. Beautifully presented.

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  2. I love Bengali-style payesh! Yours looks so creamy and absolutely delicious. Perfect treat for the festive season.

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  3. wow, Priya this Payesh looks so rich and delicious. Such a divine presentation. IN most festivals, payesh is the most common dish which we Indian make....

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  4. Bengali Kheer looks so rich and creamy, thanks for the detailed recipe.. It is perfect for special occasions.. nicely captured the essence of Durga Pooja with Payesh and the beautiful flowers and bangles in background.

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  5. Paesh looks so inviting. Loved the rich creamy texture. Never used boiled rice in kheer. Always cooked the rice with milk. Your sound quick and easy to make.

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  6. Such a rich creamy looking Payesh ! Perfect festive treat.

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  7. Thanks for such appreciative and encouraging feedback

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  8. Wow, paayesh with gobindo bhog rice. Must be so creamy and delicious. I really would like to make this kheer recipe with the special rice from West Bengal.

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  9. Payesh is tasty and makes a good festive treat. I usually make it during festive days as my son loves it.

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  10. Wow! Paayesh looks so yum! You made it with Govind Bhog rice! Wow I can imagine the aroma and not to mention how creamy and rich the kheer looks.

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  11. Wow, celebrations are made perfect with the classic sweet treat. The payesh turned out so good, my family loved it.

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  12. Milk based payasams are always welcomed at home and this Payesh with the nuts atop makes it super festive for upcoming Dusherra - kalyani

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