Natorer Luchir Payesh: Bangladeshi Milk Pudding with Fried Flatbread and Jaggery

Natorer Luchir Payesh (Milk Pudding with Fried Flatbread)

Description:
Natorer Luchir Payesh is a traditional Bangladeshi dessert from the Natore region, featuring fried flatbread bathed in jaggery-infused milk. The special version is a sandwich made of two Puriss with Kanchagolla filling between, fried to a golden crisp, and then dipped in a fragrant jaggery milk sauce. This delicacy is particularly enjoyed during the Sankranti festival.

Cuisine: Bangladeshi
Course: Dessert
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients:

• 200 grams All Purpose Flour (Maida)
• 1.5 liters Milk
• 100 grams Palm Jaggery
• 4-5 Kanchagolla (or soft sandesh as a substitute)
• 2 teaspoons Ghee
• 1 pinch Salt

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and ghee. Mix well until the ghee is fully incorporated.
   Create a well in the center, add 1/4 cup of warm water, and gently mix to form a dough. Gradually add more warm water as needed until the dough is firm yet soft and pliable.
   Cover the dough with a damp cloth and set it aside for 10 minutes.

2. Prepare the Kanchagolla Filling:
   Crumble the Kanchagolla into small pieces and set aside. (If using soft sandesh as a substitute, crumble it similarly.)

3. Shape the Puris:
   Divide the dough into small balls. Using a rolling pin, roll each dough ball into a circle approximately 3 inches in diameter.
   Place 1.5 teaspoons of Kanchagolla in the center of one flattened dough circle. Place another circle on top and carefully press the edges to seal. Use your fingers or a fork to crimp the edges.
   Repeat for the remaining dough balls.

4. Fry the Puris:
   Heat oil in a deep-bottomed pan. Fry the prepared puris until golden brown. Once fried, place them on an absorbent towel to drain excess oil.

5. Prepare the Jaggery Milk:
   Pour the milk into a heavy-bottomed saucepan and simmer on low heat until the milk reduces by half.
   Add the grated palm jaggery to the reduced milk and stir until it completely melts. For a sweeter taste, you can add more jaggery according to your preference.

6. Combine the Puris and Milk:
   Gently add the Kanchagolla-stuffed puris one by one into the simmering jaggery milk. Cook for 5-7 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure the puris soak up the milk.

7. Serve:
   Allow the milk pudding to cool down before serving. Enjoy this delicious Natorer Luchir Payesh as a sweet ending to your meal!

Enjoy this sweet, festive delight, perfect for celebrating the Sankranti festival or any special occasion!