Here's a simple recipe to make Mishti Doi

 

Mishti Doi, also known as sweetened yogurt, is a popular dessert in India, particularly in the state of West Bengal. 

Ingredients:

- 1 liter full-fat milk

- 200 grams sugar (adjust according to taste)

- 2 tablespoons yogurt (as a starter culture)

- 2-3 tablespoons water

Instructions:

1. Boil the Milk

 Pour the milk into a heavy-bottomed pan and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

2. Reduce the Milk

 Once the milk comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Continue cooking the milk, stirring occasionally, until it reduces to about half its original volume. This process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour depending on the heat and the quantity of milk.

3. Add Sugar: 

Add the sugar to the reduced milk and stir well until the sugar dissolves completely. Keep in mind that the sweetness of Mishti Doi is a matter of personal preference, so you can adjust the amount of sugar accordingly.

4. Cool the Mixture:

 Allow the sweetened milk to cool down to a lukewarm temperature. It should be warm enough to activate the yogurt culture but not hot enough to kill the bacteria.

5. Add Yogurt Culture: 

In a small bowl, mix the yogurt with 2-3 tablespoons of water to make it smooth. Then add this yogurt mixture to the lukewarm milk and sugar mixture. Stir well to ensure that the yogurt is evenly distributed throughout the milk.

6. Set the Yogurt: 

Pour the milk and yogurt mixture into clean earthenware pots or any other containers of your choice. Cover the pots with lids or aluminum foil to prevent any contamination.

7. Fermentation:

Place the pots in a warm, draft-free place to ferment. Ideally, the temperature should be around 100°F (37°C) for proper fermentation. Let the Mishti Doi ferment for about 6-8 hours, or until it sets and achieves the desired level of tanginess.

8. Chill and Serve: 

Once the Mishti Doi has set, refrigerate it for a few hours to chill. Before serving, you can garnish it with chopped nuts or a sprinkle of saffron for added flavor and visual appeal.

Enjoy your homemade Mishti Doi as a delightful and refreshing dessert!