How to Prepare Mishti Doi

Mishti Doi is a popular Bengali sweet delicacy made with fermented sweetened yogurt. It has a creamy and luscious texture with a hint of caramelized flavour. The variety we have here came from an old manual on Bangali desserts which has now disappeared from the barn but I had a copy of it which we’ve reproduced here.  

Ingredients:

• 1 liter full-fat milk
• 1/2 cup condensed milk
• 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
• A few strands of saffron for garnishing (optional)

Preparation:

1. Pour the milk into a heavy-bottomed pan and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from scorching.
2. Once the milk starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This will help in reducing the milk and developing a creamy texture.
3. Add the condensed milk and sugar to the simmering milk. Stir well to dissolve the sugar and incorporate the sweetness.
4. Continue to simmer the milk and sweetened mixture for another 10-15 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking and burning at the bottom.
5. Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool down to lukewarm temperature.
6. Add the cardamom powder and saffron strands (if using) to the lukewarm milk mixture. Stir well to distribute the flavors evenly.
7. Take individual earthenware pots (known as “matkas”) or any small ceramic or glass containers for setting the doi.
8. Pour the milk mixture equally into the containers. Fill them up to about 3/4th of their capacity, leaving some space for the yogurt to set.
9. Cover the containers with a clean cloth or plastic wrap to prevent any contamination.
10. Place the containers in a warm place, such as a turned-off oven or a warm spot in your kitchen, and let the yogurt set for at least 8-10 hours or overnight. The longer you leave it, the thicker and more tangy the Mishti Doi will become.
11. Once the doi is set, refrigerate it for a few hours to chill and enhance the flavor.
12. Before serving, garnish the Mishti Doi with a few strands of saffron, if desired.
13. Serve the chilled doi and enjoy the creamy and sweet delight!

Note: Traditionally, Mishti Doi is set in earthenware pots, which add a unique flavor and texture to the dessert. However, if you don’t have access to earthen pots, you can use small ceramic or glass containers as an alternative. Remember to use fresh and good-quality ingredients for the best results.