Notun Gurer Payesh – Bengali Chaler Payesh With Jaggery

Notun Gurer Payesh – a traditional Bengali rice pudding flavoured with date palm jaggery. Bengal’s favourite jaggery is a winter speciality.

Notun Gurer Payesh is a beloved Bengali dessert that holds a special place in the hearts of food enthusiasts. This creamy rice pudding, infused with the rich flavors of date palm jaggery, is a staple during festive occasions and celebrations in Bengal. The term “notun gur” refers to the fresh jaggery made from date palm sap, which gives this dessert its unique taste and aroma.

This Bengali dessert is typically made during festive or auspicious occasions. A simple dessert that tastes just heavenly.

In this traditional payesh recipe, Notun/Nolen/Kejur Gur is used as the sweetener. Since this date palm jaggery is usually available in wintertime, it is called as Notun (New) Gur (Jaggery).

Kheer or Payesh is a rice pudding prepared with milk, rice/vermicelli/broken wheat and sugar/jaggery and flavoured with cardamom, cashew nuts, raisins, pistachios, almonds or saffron. It is an indispensable dish in most Hindu feasts/festivals and celebrations.

Kheer is usually made for special occasions. The term Kheer comes from the Sanskrit words Ksheeram, meaning milk. Similarly, Payesh (Bengali) or Payasam (Telugu) originate from the Sanskrit word Payasa/Payasam meaning milk. Some also add a little bit of heavy cream for a richer taste. It is often garnished using almonds, cashews, raisins and pistachios.

Health Benefits of Date Palm Jaggery

While Notun Gurer Payesh is undoubtedly a treat for the taste buds, it also offers some health benefits:

• Rich in nutrients: Date palm jaggery is a good source of iron, calcium, and other minerals.
• Weight loss: Date palm jaggery has high high potassium content which helps with weight loss
• Natural sweetener: Jaggery is considered a healthier alternative to refined sugar.
• Digestive aid: Date palm jaggery stimulates digestive enzymes, which help in digestion and nutrient absorption
• Energy booster: Date palm jaggery helps fight fatigue and provides a natural source of energy

Notun Gurer Payesh Recipe:

Notun Gurer Payesh is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of Bengali culture and culinary tradition. Its rich, creamy texture and the complex sweetness of date palm jaggery make it a truly special treat. Whether you’re celebrating a festival, hosting a dinner party, or simply craving a comforting dessert, this Bengali Payesh recipe is sure to impress.

Date palm jaggery flavoured rice pudding is a simple blend of aromatic rice, milk and jaggery. Winter is the time for Notun Gur (date palm jaggery) in West Bengal and many dishes are made using date palm jaggery as the main ingredient. Notun Gur is the season’s fresh jaggery.

Typically, the rice used is Gobindo Bhog Chaal – a short-grained sticky rice variety grown in West Bengal.

• To prepare this Chaler Payesh, first wash and soak rice for about half-an-hour. Then drain the water and add a teaspoon of ghee to the rice. Keep aside.

• Next soak cashew nuts and raisins in water for about ten minutes. Blanch and de-skin almonds. Slice the pistas and almonds into slivers.

• Heat milk in a large pan and bring it to a boil.

• Lower the heat and add pre-washed rice to it.

• Allow to simmer till the milk reduces in quantity and turns a pale ivory colour. Check if the rice is cooked.
• Once the rice is done and the payesh attains a semi-thick consistency, put off the flame. Stir in the date palm jaggery.

• Garnish Bengali Notun Gurer Payesh with almond and pistachio slivers and serve chilled.

If you are looking for more payesh recipes, then do try out Sitaphal Payesh

Notun Gurer Payesh Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Notun Gurer Payesh experience, consider these serving and presentation tips:

• Serve the Payesh either warm or chilled, depending on personal preference and the weather.
• Garnish with chopped nuts, a sprinkle of cardamom powder, or a drizzle of extra jaggery syrup.
• Use traditional clay pots or decorative bowls for an authentic touch.
• Pair with crispy snacks like mathri or nimki for a delightful contrast in textures.
• For a modern twist, serve in small shot glasses as a dessert tasting course.

Remember, presentation can enhance the overall experience of enjoying this beloved Bengali dessert.

Variations of Bengali Payesh

While Notun Gurer Payesh is a classic, there are several other delicious variations of Bengali Payesh:

• Khejur Gurer Payesh: Similar to Notun Gurer Payesh but made with khejur gur (date jaggery) instead of date palm jaggery.
• Chaler Payesh: A simpler version made with regular sugar instead of jaggery.
• Narkel Payesh: Coconut Payesh, which incorporates grated coconut for added texture and flavor.
• Chirer Payesh: Made with flattened rice (chira) instead of regular rice, offering a different texture.
• Kacha Amer Payesh: A unique summer variation that uses green mangoes for a tangy twist.

Each of these variations offers a unique flavor profile, allowing you to explore the diverse world of Bengali Payesh.

Bengali Rice Kheer With Jaggery Recipe details below: