Mishti Doi Recipe: The Sweet Delight of Bangladesh

Mishti Doi is a traditional Bengali dessert made of sweetened yogurt. Known for its rich, creamy texture and sweet flavor, Mishti Doi is a must-have treat during festivals and celebrations. It's a perfect combination of simplicity and indulgence, and making it at home is easier than you might think! In this blog post, we'll guide you through the steps to prepare this delicious dessert.

Mishti Doi served in a traditional clay pot, ready to enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 liter full-fat milk
• 1/2 cup sugar (or to taste)
• 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk (optional, for extra richness)
• 1 tablespoon plain yogurt (as a starter culture)
• 1-2 cardamom pods (optional, for flavor)
• 1 tablespoon ghee (optional, for added richness)

Step-by-Step Recipe:

1. Preparing the Milk:

1. In a heavy-bottomed pan, bring the full-fat milk to a boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
2. Once the milk begins to boil, lower the heat and allow it to simmer for 10-15 minutes. This will reduce the milk slightly and make it thicker.
3. If you’re using cardamom pods, crush them lightly and add them to the milk while it simmers to infuse the flavor.

Simmering the milk to make it thicker and richer in flavor.

2. Sweetening the Milk:

1. Once the milk has reduced, add the sugar and sweetened condensed milk (if using). Stir well to dissolve the sugar completely.
2. Let the milk simmer for another 5-7 minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency. Remove from heat and let it cool down to room temperature.
3. If you’re using ghee, you can add it at this stage to enrich the flavor of the Mishti Doi.

3. Adding the Yogurt Culture:

1. Once the milk has cooled down to a lukewarm temperature (around 40-45°C), take a tablespoon of plain yogurt and mix it with a little bit of milk to make a smooth paste.
2. Add this yogurt mixture to the milk and stir gently to incorporate it evenly throughout.
3. Pour the milk into a container or clay pot for fermenting. A clay pot is ideal as it helps in setting the yogurt with a rich flavor.

4. Fermentation Process:

1. Cover the container with a lid or cloth and keep it in a warm place for 6-8 hours or overnight to set. The yogurt will ferment and become thicker as it cools.
2. During colder months, you can place the container in an oven with the light on or near a warm kitchen appliance to ensure the temperature stays consistent.

5. Serving Mishti Doi:

1. Once the Mishti Doi has set, you can refrigerate it for a few hours before serving, or enjoy it immediately.
2. Serve it in traditional clay pots for an authentic experience, and garnish with a few saffron strands or crushed nuts if desired.

Mishti Doi served cold and garnished with saffron for extra flavor.

Tips for the Perfect Mishti Doi:

• Ensure that the milk has cooled down to room temperature before adding the yogurt culture. Too hot milk will kill the live cultures in the yogurt.
• If you like your Mishti Doi on the sweeter side, feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to your taste.
• Using full-fat milk and sweetened condensed milk results in a rich, creamy texture and taste.
• Allow the yogurt to ferment for at least 6 hours for the best texture and taste.

Conclusion:

Mishti Doi is the perfect dessert to satisfy your sweet cravings. With its creamy texture and delightful sweetness, it’s no wonder that this dish is loved throughout Bangladesh and beyond. Make it at home using this simple recipe and enjoy a taste of tradition in every spoonful!