Indian Mishti Dohi Recipe
Mishti Dohi is a traditional Bengali sweet yogurt that's creamy, tangy, and lightly sweetened. It's a popular dessert and is often enjoyed chilled. Here’s a simple recipe to make it at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 liter full-fat milk
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt (as a starter)
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
Instructions:
Boil Milk:
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, bring 1 liter of milk to a boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from burning.
Simmer Milk:
- Once the milk boils, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes until it reduces slightly and thickens. Stir frequently.
Cool the Milk:
- Allow the milk to cool to a lukewarm temperature. It should be warm enough to activate the yogurt but not hot.
Add Sugar:
- Stir in 1/2 cup of sugar while the milk is still warm. Make sure it dissolves completely.
Add Yogurt Starter:
- In a small bowl, take 1/4 cup of plain yogurt. Add a few tablespoons of the warm milk to the yogurt and mix well. This helps to temper the yogurt and ensures even distribution.
Combine and Ferment:
- Gently stir the yogurt mixture back into the rest of the warm milk. Mix thoroughly.
Set the Yogurt:
- Pour the milk mixture into a clean container or bowl. Cover it with a lid or cloth.
Ferment:
- Place the container in a warm, undisturbed place for about 6-8 hours or until the yogurt sets. In cooler climates, it may take longer.
Chill and Serve:
- Once the yogurt has set and is firm, refrigerate it for a few hours before serving. Mishti Dohi is best enjoyed chilled.
Enjoy:
- Serve the Mishti Dohi as a dessert or a sweet treat.
Tips:
- Milk Quality: Use full-fat milk for a richer and creamier texture.
- Starter Yogurt: Use fresh, plain yogurt with live cultures as a starter for best results.
- Fermentation: Maintain a warm environment for fermentation. If it's cold, you can use an oven with the light on or a yogurt maker.
Enjoy your homemade Mishti Dohi!
