Mishti Doi Recipe – Traditional Bengali Sweet Yogurt
Mishti Doi is an iconic Bengali dessert, known for its creamy, delicately sweet flavor. This traditional yogurt dessert is made by gently sweetening curd with caramelized sugar, resulting in a smooth, luscious treat that melts in your mouth. The charm of Mishti Doi lies in its simplicity, yet its addictive sweetness and smooth texture make it an irresistible way to round off an Indian meal. Traditionally, this sweetened curd is set in earthen pots, adding an earthy flavor that enhances the overall experience. If you’re hosting a dinner with Indian cuisine, this dessert makes for a perfect and refreshing conclusion to the meal.
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Bengali
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Milk | 3 cups |
| Sugar | 3/4 cup |
| Curd (Dahi/Yogurt) | 1 tablespoon, whisked |
| Water | 1 tablespoon |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Instructions:
-
Warm the Milk:
- Begin by placing a heavy-bottomed pan on the heat. Pour the 3 cups of milk into the pan, and warm it over medium heat.
- Add 2/3 of the sugar to the milk (reserve the remaining 1/3), and stir until the sugar dissolves completely as the milk comes to a gentle boil.
-
Reduce the Milk:
- Once the milk starts to boil, reduce the heat to a simmer and allow it to reduce by half. Stir occasionally to avoid the milk from burning. This will take about 20-25 minutes.
-
Caramelize the Sugar:
- While the milk is reducing, take a separate pan and add the reserved 1/3 cup of sugar. Heat the sugar over low-medium heat, allowing it to melt and gradually turn a golden-brown color.
- As the sugar begins to caramelize, it will bubble and change consistency. When it reaches a light golden-brown color, remove the pan from the heat.
-
Combine Caramelized Sugar and Milk:
- To the caramelized sugar, carefully add 1 tablespoon of water. This will cause the sugar to bubble up slightly—be cautious. Stir the mixture until smooth, and then add it to the reduced milk. Stir well to ensure the caramelized sugar is evenly mixed with the milk.
-
Cool the Milk Mixture:
- Allow the milk to cool slightly to room temperature. It should not be too hot when you add the yogurt.
-
Add the Yogurt:
- Once the milk mixture has cooled a bit, add the whisked yogurt (curd) to the milk. Stir thoroughly until everything is well combined.
-
Set the Mishti Doi:
- Pour the mixture into earthen pots or small glass bowls. Traditionally, Mishti Doi is set in earthen pots, which impart a unique flavor to the yogurt, but any small bowl will work.
- Let the yogurt mixture set in a warm place for several hours or overnight. The ideal temperature should be around 30°C (86°F) to encourage the yogurt to culture properly.
-
Refrigerate and Serve:
- Once the Mishti Doi has set and thickened, transfer the pots or bowls to the refrigerator and let them chill for a few hours. Serve it cold for the best taste and texture.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your Mishti Doi chilled after a fulfilling meal. It pairs wonderfully with spicy Indian dishes like Aloo Dum, Bengali Lucchi, and Tomato Onion Cucumber Raita. The rich, sweet flavor of the Mishti Doi complements the heat and spices of a traditional Bengali or Indian meal, making it the perfect end to an unforgettable dining experience.
Tips for Best Results:
- If you don’t have earthen pots, you can use small glass or ceramic bowls to set the yogurt. However, traditional clay pots are preferred for their ability to retain heat and enhance the flavor.
- Ensure the milk is not too hot when adding the yogurt, as it can affect the setting process. A warm temperature is ideal for curd formation.
- If you’re looking for a slightly tangier Mishti Doi, you can adjust the amount of yogurt to your preference, but be sure not to add too much or it may overpower the sweetness.
Enjoy the creamy sweetness of Mishti Doi, and let its subtle flavors transport you to the heart of Bengali cuisine!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~180 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | ~30g |
| Protein | ~6g |
| Fat | ~5g |
| Sugars | ~28g |
(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)
