Sweet Delight: Mishti Doi from Bangladesh

Mishti Doi: A Signature Sweet of Bangladesh

Mishti doi is a beloved dessert that plays a vital role in the festive celebrations of Bangladesh. This yogurt dish is typically sweetened with jaggery, resulting in an irresistible creamy and fragrant flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To prepare mishti doi, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 cup of jaggery or coconut sugar, plus a little extra for caramelizing
• 1 can of condensed milk (12 oz)
• 2 cups of whole milk
• 1/4 teaspoon of fennel powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon powder
• Kosher salt
• 2/3 cup of plain Greek yogurt

How to Make Mishti Doi

The first step is to position a baking tray in the center of your oven and preheat it to 200°F (about 93°C), then turn off the oven and leave the light on.

In a medium saucepan, combine the jaggery with 2 tablespoons of water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to low, stirring until the mixture reaches about 235°F (around 113°C), which takes about 3 minutes.

Once the jaggery has melted, add in the condensed milk and whole milk, continuing to stir in the fennel powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Bring it back to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to medium-low, simmering until the mixture thickens and reduces by half, about 35-38 minutes. Then, turn off the heat and let it cool down to about 110°F–115°F (43°C–46°C).

Next, in a separate bowl, mix the yogurt with 1/2 cup of the cooled milk mixture until smooth. Then, pour this yogurt mixture back into the remaining milk and stir until fully blended.

Pour the mixture into a clay pot or divide it among small cups. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and place it on the baking tray. Let it sit in the oven with the light on for 36 to 48 hours, until the mixture is slightly wobbly but set, resembling baked custard.

Finishing Touches on Your Mishti Doi

Once ready, you can refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or it can be kept for up to 4 days.

For an extra touch, sprinkle some jaggery on top and use a torch to caramelize it. While it may not crack like crème brûlée, the delightful caramel flavor will leave you wanting more.

Conclusion

Mishti doi is not only delicious but also brings a sense of warmth and familiarity, especially during festive occasions. I tried making this dish and was pleasantly surprised by the results. I hope you’ll fall in love with this delightful dessert too!