Bengali Coconut and Date Payesh (Sweet Rice Pudding)

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A creamy Bengali dessert made with fragrant basmati rice, coconut milk, and sweet dates, gently simmered to a luscious pudding. This bengali-inspired desserts ready in about 50 minutes pairs basmati rice, water, coconut milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.5 (14 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Bengali cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1/2 cup basmati rice until water runs clear and soak for 15 minutes; drain.
  2. Step 2: In a heavy saucepan, bring 1 cup water to boil; add the soaked rice and 4 crushed cardamom pods, simmer uncovered over low heat for 10 minutes until rice is tender.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 cups coconut milk and 1/2 cup grated jaggery or brown sugar; cook on low heat for 15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until pudding thickens.
  4. Step 4: Add 1/2 cup chopped dates and 1 tbsp ghee; cook for an additional 5 minutes until dates soften and flavors meld.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat; stir in a pinch of saffron strands if using, and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped cashews before serving warm or chilled.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Bengali Coconut and Date Payesh (Sweet Rice Pudding) take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Bengali Coconut and Date Payesh (Sweet Rice Pudding)?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep basmati rice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Bengali Coconut and Date Payesh (Sweet Rice Pudding)?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Bengali Coconut and Date Payesh (Sweet Rice Pudding) for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Bengali Coconut and Date Payesh (Sweet Rice Pudding)?

Bengali desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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