Atar Payesh Recipe (Sitaphal Kheer)
Discover the delightful taste of Atar Payesh, a classic Bengali dessert that beautifully marries the rich creaminess of milk with the unique flavor of custard apples (Sitaphal). This indulgent sweet treat is perfect for special occasions or a sweet finish to your everyday meals.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Milk | 2 liters |
| Custard apples (Sitaphal) | 4 pieces |
| Heavy whipping cream | 100 ml |
| Green cardamom powder (Elaichi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Sugar | To taste |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 290 |
| Protein | 8g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Sugar | Varies by sweetness of Sitaphal |
Preparation Time
| Activity | Duration (minutes) |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 10 |
| Cooking | 40 |
| Total | 50 |
Servings
| Servings | 4 |
Course
| Course | Dessert |
Cuisine
| Cuisine | Bengali Recipes |
Diet
| Diet | Vegetarian |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Custard Apples: Start by gently breaking each custard apple in half. Use a spoon to scoop out the flesh, ensuring you carefully remove all seeds. Once the pulp is extracted, lightly mash it with a fork and set it aside for later.
-
Boil the Milk: In a thick-bottomed pan, pour in the milk and bring it to a boil. Add the green cardamom powder to the milk. Reduce the heat and allow the milk to simmer gently over low flame until it has reduced to almost half of its original volume. This process concentrates the flavors and enhances the creaminess of the dessert.
-
Combine Ingredients: After the milk has reduced, stir in the mashed custard apple pulp. Continue to cook the mixture over low heat for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
-
Sweeten to Taste: Taste the mixture and add sugar according to your preference. The sweetness of custard apples can vary; adjust the sugar accordingly. In my experience, just a tablespoon was sufficient for the naturally sweet custard apples I used.
-
Finish with Cream: Once you have adjusted the sweetness, switch off the heat and gently fold in the heavy whipping cream. Give the mixture a hearty stir to ensure everything is well combined.
-
Chill and Serve: Transfer the Atar Payesh to a serving bowl or individual dessert cups. Allow it to cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Serve chilled, and enjoy this delectable dessert as a sweet conclusion to a satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestion: For a truly authentic Bengali experience, enjoy Atar Payesh after a hearty lunch of Cholar Dal, Bengali Luchi, and Begun Bhaja on a delightful weekday.
Additional Notes
- Atar Payesh can be garnished with additional crushed cardamom or a sprinkle of nutmeg for added flavor.
- This dessert not only serves as a refreshing treat on warm days but also brings a taste of tradition to your table, celebrating the unique ingredients of Bengali cuisine.
Indulge in this creamy, luscious dessert that captures the essence of festive celebrations and family gatherings. Atar Payesh is sure to become a cherished recipe in your culinary repertoire!
