Bengali Bhapa Doi (Steamed Yogurt Dessert) Recipe
Total Time: 55 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Bengali
Course: Dessert
Diet: Vegetarian
Bengali Bhapa Doi is a rich, creamy, and aromatic dessert made by steaming a blend of thick yogurt, condensed milk, and cardamom, traditionally enjoyed during festive occasions like Holi. This chilled treat is garnished with pistachios, raisins, and fresh strawberries, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and freshness. The dessert is simple to prepare, requiring a few ingredients and just a bit of patience as it bakes to perfection.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Hung Curd (Greek Yogurt) | 1 ½ cups |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Condensed Milk | 400 grams |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Chopped Pistachios | 4 tablespoons |
| Raisins | A handful |
| Strawberries | A few, for garnish |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~280 kcal |
| Protein | ~6g |
| Carbohydrates | ~50g |
| Fat | ~9g |
| Fiber | ~2g |
| Sugar | ~42g |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Yogurt Mixture:
Begin by placing the hung curd (Greek yogurt) and condensed milk in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric hand blender, whisk them together until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Gradually add the milk to the yogurt blend, continuing to whisk until froth begins to form. This ensures the mixture is well combined and light in texture. -
Add Flavorings:
Stir in the cardamom powder (elaichi) and a handful of raisins. The cardamom will infuse the mixture with its aromatic fragrance, giving it that signature Bengali flavor. Give it a quick final stir to evenly distribute the raisins. -
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). As the oven heats up, prepare the ramekins or baking dish that will be used for steaming the curd mixture. You can opt for small ramekins or an oven-safe baking dish. If you’re using a larger dish, you can cut the dessert into squares once baked. -
Fill the Ramekins:
Carefully pour the yogurt and milk mixture into the prepared ramekins or baking dish, filling them until just below the rim. The consistency of the mixture should be smooth and pourable, making it easy to fill the containers. -
Set up the Steaming Tray:
Take a baking tray or drip tray that can fit into your oven and arrange the filled ramekins inside. Fill the tray with water, making sure the ramekins are half-submerged. This water bath will ensure even cooking and help the Bhapa Doi set without cracking. -
Bake the Bhapa Doi:
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The dessert is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep in mind that baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven. -
Cool and Garnish:
Once the Bhapa Doi is baked, remove the tray from the oven and allow the ramekins to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate them for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly. -
Serve:
Before serving, garnish the chilled Bhapa Doi with freshly chopped pistachios, raisins, and strawberries for a touch of color and texture. You can also add other fruits or nuts of your choice to personalize the dish.
This decadent dessert can be served at special occasions such as Holi or any celebration that calls for a delightful and refreshing treat. Pair it with savory snacks like Baked Paneer Bread Pakora or Jhure-Jhure Aloo Bhaja for a complete meal experience.
Enjoy this Bengali delight as a part of your festive spread or any day you crave something light, creamy, and delicious!
