Nolen Gurer Payesh Recipe: A Creamy Bengali Delight
Introduction:
Nolen Gurer Payesh is a traditional Bengali dessert, known for its rich, creamy texture and the unique, aromatic sweetness imparted by Nolen Gur (date palm jaggery). This dish is a favorite during festive occasions like Poila Boishakh (Bengali New Year) and other celebrations. Made with just a few simple ingredients like rice, milk, bay leaves, and Nolen Gur, this dessert is easy to prepare, yet incredibly delicious. The fragrant cardamom pods elevate the flavor, and the addition of mixed nuts brings a perfect crunch. Whether served warm or chilled, Nolen Gurer Payesh is a comforting and satisfying way to end any meal. Perfect for vegetarian diets and loved by all, this dessert is sure to win hearts!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Basmati rice | 1 cup |
| Gobindo Bhog Rice | 1 cup |
| Milk | 1 liter |
| Bay leaf (tej patta) | 1 leaf |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 3 pods |
| Nolen Gur (date palm jaggery) | 1/2 cup (adjust according to taste) |
| Mixed nuts (chopped and roasted) | For garnishing |
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Instructions:
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Soak the Rice: Begin by washing and soaking the basmati rice (or Gobindo Bhog rice for a more authentic Bengali flavor) for about 30 minutes. Drain the rice to remove excess water before cooking.
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Heat the Milk: In a heavy-bottomed pan, pour the milk and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the bay leaf and cardamom pods for that aromatic infusion.
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Simmer the Milk: Once the milk begins to boil, lower the heat and let it simmer. Stir regularly to ensure the milk doesn’t stick to the bottom or form a layer of cream. Allow the milk to reduce slightly and thicken.
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Add the Rice: Once the milk has thickened a bit, add the soaked rice to the milk. Mix the rice well into the milk, ensuring it is evenly spread throughout. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking.
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Cook the Rice: Continue cooking the rice in the milk until it is soft and fully cooked. This should take about 20-25 minutes. Keep stirring periodically to ensure even cooking and avoid any burning at the bottom.
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Incorporate Nolen Gur: When the rice is almost done, add the Nolen Gur (date palm jaggery) to the milk and rice mixture. Stir gently, ensuring the jaggery dissolves smoothly. Be careful not to let the milk curdle while adding the jaggery. If needed, switch off the heat before adding the jaggery, then bring it back to a gentle boil after mixing.
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Final Touch: Once the jaggery is well incorporated and the milk has reached the desired consistency, switch off the heat. Add the chopped mixed nuts for garnish and mix them in gently.
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Cool and Serve: Allow the Nolen Gurer Payesh to cool down to room temperature. For a refreshing dessert experience, chill the payesh in the refrigerator before serving.
Allergen Information:
- Contains Dairy: This dessert is made with milk, which contains lactose and casein, making it unsuitable for those with dairy allergies.
- Nuts: Mixed nuts are used as a garnish, which may contain allergens such as tree nuts and peanuts. If you are serving this dessert to guests with nut allergies, ensure that the nuts are omitted or replaced with a nut-free alternative.
Dietary Preferences:
- Vegetarian: This recipe is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat, fish, or poultry.
- Gluten-Free: Nolen Gurer Payesh is naturally gluten-free as it does not include any wheat-based ingredients.
- Nut-Free Option: For those with nut allergies, simply omit the mixed nuts garnish to make the dish nut-free.
Tips and Advice:
- Rice Choice: While Basmati rice is commonly used for a fragrant, soft texture, you can substitute with Gobindo Bhog rice for a more authentic Bengali flavor. The latter has a unique texture and aroma that pairs beautifully with Nolen Gur.
- Sweetness Level: Nolen Gur is naturally sweet, but you can adjust the amount to your liking. Some people prefer a stronger sweetness, so feel free to add a little more jaggery if desired.
- Chilling Time: The dessert tastes even better when chilled for a few hours, as it allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set. Prepare it in advance and serve it cool for a refreshing treat.
Conclusion:
Nolen Gurer Payesh is a dessert that embodies the essence of Bengali cuisine — simple, yet rich in flavor. The combination of creamy milk, fragrant rice, and the distinctive sweetness of Nolen Gur creates a delightful treat that’s perfect for special occasions or as a comforting ending to any meal. Whether served warm or cold, this dessert is sure to bring joy to your table and leave a lasting impression. Make it at home for your next celebration, or simply as a weekend indulgence, and experience the magic of this traditional Bengali sweet!
By following these easy steps, you’ll create a mouthwatering Nolen Gurer Payesh that captures the essence of Bengali cuisine in a single, decadent dessert.
