Gurer Payesh

Gurer Payesh (Bengali Jaggery Rice Pudding) is a traditional dessert from Bengal, made with fragrant rice, milk, and jaggery. It’s creamy, rich, and infused with the warm aroma of cardamom and the sweetness of palm jaggery — a festive favorite during special occasions and celebrations.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp raisins
• 1 cup basmati rice
• 3 green cardamoms
• 10 almonds (optional)
• 1 cup jaggery, grated
• 2 litres milk
• 1 tbsp sugar

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients:

   • Clean and wash the rice. Drain and let it dry for about an hour.
   • Blanch the almonds, slice them, and wash the raisins.

2. Boil the Milk:

   • Bring the milk to a boil in a heavy-bottomed pan.
   • Lower the heat and simmer, stirring constantly, for 15–20 minutes.

3. Cook the Rice:

   • Add the rice to the simmering milk and cook, stirring frequently, until the rice becomes soft.

4. Sweeten the Payesh:

   • Add sugar and continue cooking until the milk reduces to about half its original quantity.
   • Stir in the grated jaggery and mix well until dissolved.

5. Add Flavors:

   • Add cardamoms, sliced almonds, and raisins (if using). Mix thoroughly.

6. Serve:

   • Let the payesh cool and serve chilled or at room temperature.