Discover the Joy of Chaler Payesh: A Creamy Bengali Rice Pudding Recipe

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 65 minutes

Hello Everyone! Welcome to SasVibe. Bengali Chaler Payesh, a traditional rice pudding, is a quintessential dessert that graces the tables during festivals, weddings, and special occasions in Bengali households. This creamy, aromatic delight is made using Gobindobhog rice, full-fat milk, and a few simple ingredients that come together to create a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups whole milk (full-fat for a richer texture)
• 3 tablespoons Gobindobhog rice (or any short-grain rice)
• 2 teaspoons ghee (preferably Bengali Jharna ghee)
• 1/4 cup white granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 10-12 cashew nuts, chopped
• 10-12 slivered pistachios
• 10-12 slivered almonds
• Optional: 1 bay leaf, dried rose petals, and a sprinkle of rose water for garnish

Method of Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the Rice

1. Rinse the rice thoroughly and soak it in water for 15-20 minutes. This helps the rice cook faster and more evenly.
2. After soaking, drain the water and mix the rice with 2 teaspoons of ghee. This step enhances the flavor and prevents the rice from sticking together during cooking.

Step 2: Boiling the Milk

1. In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat 4 cups of whole milk over medium-high heat until it reaches a boil. Stir frequently to prevent the milk from sticking to the bottom and burning.
2. Once the milk boils, reduce the heat to low.

Step 3: Cooking the Rice

1. Add the ghee-coated rice to the boiling milk. Cook on low heat, stirring frequently, for about 35-40 minutes. This slow cooking allows the rice to absorb the milk and become tender.
2. Optionally, add a bay leaf to the milk at this stage to infuse a distinct flavor.

Step 4: Sweetening the Payesh

1. Once the rice is fully cooked and the milk has thickened to a creamy consistency, add 1/4 cup of sugar. Stir well and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes to ensure the sugar dissolves completely.
2. Add 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom powder, stirring well to distribute the flavor evenly.

Step 5: Garnishing and Serving

1. Garnish the Chaler Payesh with chopped cashews, slivered pistachios, and almonds. For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle dried rose petals on top.
2. Optionally, add a few drops of rose water to enhance the aroma.
3. Serve the payesh hot for a comforting dessert, or chill it in the refrigerator for a few hours if you prefer a cold, refreshing treat.

Tips for the Perfect Chaler Payesh:

• Rice Choice: Gobindobhog rice is ideal for this recipe due to its aromatic and slightly sticky nature. If unavailable, any short-grain rice can be used.
• Sweeteners: For a different flavor profile, consider replacing white sugar with date palm jaggery (khejur gur) or nolen gur (new jaggery). If using jaggery, add it after the payesh has cooled slightly to prevent curdling.
• Stirring: Frequent stirring is crucial to prevent the milk from sticking to the bottom of the pan and ensuring an even, creamy texture.
• Ghee: Using high-quality ghee like Bengali Jharna ghee adds a rich, authentic flavor to the dish.

A Celebration in Every Spoonful

Chaler Payesh is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of Bengali tradition and culture. Whether it’s served during Durga Puja, Diwali, or a family gathering, this rice pudding is sure to win hearts with its rich, creamy texture and delightful aroma. Enjoy the timeless flavors of Bengal with this easy and traditional recipe.

This recipe captures the essence of Bengali cuisine, combining simple ingredients with meticulous preparation to create a dessert that is both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re new to Bengali cuisine or looking to recreate a cherished family recipe, Chaler Payesh is a perfect choice for any special occasion.