Khejur Gurer Payesh is a celebratory rice pudding
Growing up, I don’t recall any special occasion when khejur gurer payesh was not prepared. Be it a birthday, after exam celebrations, any festival or a family get-together, this creamy comfort-in-a-bowl always made an appearance. This ritual is still followed religiously. And I still lick the bowl clean, every single time.
Payesh is auspicious for Bengalies
At home, payesh is not only just a casual indulgence but it’s auspicious as well. Payesh is the first solid food baby tastes. Khejur Gurer Payesh is prepared during weddings, birthdays and every festive occasions. It is not a short cut dessert, but one that needs attension and time. There cannot be any rush and we take our payesh very seriously. So, presure cooking or instapot cooked payesh can satisfy a bengali soul.
What kind of rice is used?
Traditionally, we use Gobindobhog or Kalijeera rice. These are short grain aromatic rice. You can use any variety of short grain rice you can find.
What is Khejur Gur?
Khejur Gur is date palm jaggery which is also referred to as Patali Gur or Nolen Gur. The jaggery is derived from the sap of Date Palm Tree, which is cooked to bring that striking burgundy color. It’s then stored in earthen pots that boosts its flavor and eventually solidifies. At the end, you get two versions of jaggery. One is a thick liquid form called notun gur or nolen gur and the other kind in a rock solid form called patali gur. In either case, the flavor is immense. If you are lucky to locate a Bangladeshi store, than you will find Khejurer Gur or Patali Gur.
Steps to prepare Khejur Gurer Payesh
Wash and soak the rice for sometime.Simmer the milk with bay leaves and cardamoms until it reduces a little and then add the rice. Slow cook the rice until it’s cooked through but still retains shape.Add Khejur Gur (Date palm jaggery), cashew, raisins and stir it around to incorporate.
Can you prepare Payesh in Instapot
If you want the authetic creamy taste, take the old fasion way of slow cooking on stove top. While you can prepare in Instapot or pressure cooker and it will be tasty but dishes like payesh and risotto needs a perfect creamy texture that comes only from slow cooking.
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