The Ultimate Guide to Mishti Doi: How to Master This Classic Bengali Dessert
Mishti doi
A simple and delicious 3 ingredient Bangladeshi dessert.
Equipment
- 4 Clay cups/ clay pots aluminum cups/plastic cups work just fine.
Ingredients
- 1 litre full cream milk. evaporated milk can be used too.
- 6-8 tbsp sugar Date molasses, and jaggery syrup work just fine. same level of sweetness, must be added once the milk mixture is cooled down.
- 2 cups full-fat Greek yogurt/ natural hung curd
Instructions
- Boil the milk till it's half and has a thicker consistency.
- In a pan add sugar and water and cook until bright amber color.
- Now add the milk mixture to the sugar and mix well.
- cook for another 5-10minutes. stir continuously.
- if you're using jaggery/ date molasses it's ideal to add them into the milk mixture once it has cooled down.
- In a bowl add the hung card and whisk until smooth. now add the milk and sugar mixture to the bowl a little at a time ensuring a smooth consistency.
- once everything is smooth and well combined, put it through a strainer and pour it into your clay pots/earthware.
- Additionally, you can brush some more yogurt around and inside the clay pots.you can also add a pinch of cardamom at this point but it's optional.
- cover the pots with foil and set them for at least 8-10 hours in the warmest place in your house. It could be a sunny window space, or inside a warm oven, or next to a warm stove.
- You can also save time by baking them in the oven at 90'c for 1 hour then turning the heat off and setting them for a few more hours in the oven before transferring them into the fridge overnight.
- once they're set and chilled in the fridge you can serve them with some mishti or as it is.
- PS; you can also brûlée it with some sugar on top using a blow torch only if you feel fancy and wanna create a fun experience for your guests.
Introduction
Indulge in the creamy delight of Mishti Doi, a quintessential Bengali dessert cherished across generations for its soothing texture and subtle sweetness. This easy-to-follow recipe uses just three key ingredients to bring one of Bangladesh’s classic desserts into your home. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary novice, this Mishti Doi recipe promises a hassle-free cooking experience and a taste of Bengal’s rich cultural heritage.
What You Need to Know Before Starting
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Settling Time: 10 hours
Total Time: Approximately 11 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Essential Ingredients
• 1 liter full cream milk (evaporated milk is also a suitable option)
• 6-8 tablespoons of sugar or date molasses (adjust according to your taste)
• 2 cups full-fat Greek yogurt or natural hung curd
Equipment Required
• 4 traditional clay cups (alternatively, aluminum or plastic cups will suffice)
Step-by-Step Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Milk
Begin by boiling the milk in a heavy-bottomed pot until it reduces to half its original volume, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. This concentrates the milk’s natural sweetness and texture.
Step 2: Caramelize the Sweetener
In a separate pan, gently heat the sugar or date molasses until it turns a rich amber color. This caramelization process is crucial for adding a depth of flavor to the Mishti Doi.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Slowly incorporate the caramelized sugar into the reduced milk, stirring continuously to ensure a smooth blend without lumps.
Step 4: Cool Down
Allow the mixture to cool to lukewarm—this is the ideal temperature for mixing in the yogurt without curdling it.
Step 5: Add Yogurt and Set
Whisk the yogurt until smooth before combining it with the milk mixture. Pour the final mixture into your prepared cups, covering each with a clean cloth to set.
Step 6: Let It Settle
Place the cups in a warm area and allow the Mishti Doi to set for about 10 hours. The setting process is vital for achieving the characteristic firm yet creamy texture.
Step 7: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the set Mishti Doi until cold. Serve chilled, garnished with a sprinkle of crushed pistachios or a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of elegance.
Nutrition and Dietary Information
Each serving of Mishti Doi is not just a treat for your taste buds but also offers a reasonable calorie count, making it a suitable dessert option even for those mindful of their intake. Approximately 200 calories per serving, with essential nutrients contributed by milk and yogurt.
Variations to Explore
• Flavor Twist: Enhance your Mishti Doi with a pinch of ground cardamom or a few strands of saffron infused in the milk.
• Dairy-Free Version: For a vegan variant, substitute dairy milk with almond or coconut milk and use suitable vegan yogurt.
Conclusion
Mishti Doi is a versatile and delightful dessert that encapsulates the essence of Bengali cuisine. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a festive celebration or a simple family dinner. Try this recipe today and transport yourself to the streets of Kolkata with each spoonful of this luscious dessert.
Enjoy!
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