How to make Lichur Payesh

Lichur Payesh, also known as Litchi Kheer, is a delightful Bengali dessert that captures the essence of summer. This creamy rice pudding is flavored with sweet, juicy litchis, making it a perfect way to cool down on a hot day.

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious treat: Ingredients:

Full-cream milk (2 liters)
Fresh litchis (20-25)
Basmati rice or Gobindobhog rice (1/4 cup)
Sugar (to taste)
Green cardamom powder (1/4 tsp)
Saffron strands (a few) (optional)
Rose essence (1 tbsp) (optional)
Chopped dry fruits (almonds, cashews, pistachios) (for garnishing)
Instructions:

1.Prepare the Litchi: Peel the litchis and remove the seeds. Roughly chop half of the litchis and set them aside. You can gently mash these with a mortar and pestle for extra flavor.

2.Cook the Rice: Rinse the rice thoroughly and soak it in water for 30 minutes. Grind the soaked rice into a coarse paste.

3.Reduce the Milk: In a heavy-bottomed pan, bring the milk to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the milk thickens and reduces to about two-thirds of its original volume.

4.Flavor the Milk: Add the green cardamom powder and saffron strands (if using) to the simmering milk. Let it infuse for a few minutes.

5.Assemble the Payesh: Add the ground rice paste to the milk and cook, stirring constantly, until the rice is softened and cooked through.

6.Sweeten and Add Litchi: Adjust the sweetness with sugar to your preference. Remember, litchis are naturally sweet, so you may need less sugar than usual. Gently fold in the chopped litchis and mashed litchi mixture (if using).

7.Finishing Touches: Turn off the heat and stir in rose essence (if using). Allow the payesh to cool slightly at room temperature.

8.Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the payesh for at least 30 minutes, or until it’s chilled through. Garnish with chopped dry fruits and serve cold.

Tips: For a richer flavor, you can use evaporated milk or condensed milk instead of some of the full-cream milk. Don’t overcook the litchis. They should retain their plump texture. If fresh litchis are unavailable, you can use canned litchis, but be sure to drain them well and adjust the sugar accordingly. Enjoy this delicious and refreshing Lichur Payesh!