The Ballad of Bhapa and Mishti Doi

 Bhapa Doi

The ballad of Bhapa and Mishti Doi 

(With reference to my post on Mishti Doi)

A cream come true when they set,

Both of the deserted milk ilk,

Bhapa and his lady love dulcet

Were desserts not to forget!

Mishti was sweet and coy,

Of saffron smooth complexion

While burly brawny Bhapa boy

A bhadra Banga mahashoy!

Then tragedy smote the duo

As a matron thrifty ‘n crafty

Prudently wouldn’t a thing throw

Separated the belle from her beau!

Mishti resolved to meet her fate

Adorned with sparkling zigzags

Bhapa sweltered in the grate

Vowing reunion at the pearly gate!

This is what happened to the second half of the mixture I concocted with the leftover Rasmalai milk and hung curd!

Bhapa Doi

1 cup thickened milk (leftover rasmalai or basundi or even rabdi will do)

1 cup hung curd or greek yoghurt

Cardamom, nutmeg, saffron according to your taste and as required

Sugar or sweetener to taste

Crushed pistas and a few saffron threads for garnishing

Mix all the ingredients well. Pour into small moulds or ramekins about ¾ high. Pre-heat the oven to180 C. Arrange the ramekins in a water bath. Start with hot water- not cold.  Bake for about 30 minutes or until done. 

Serve with a garnish of saffron threads and crushed pistas in the ramekins or unmould as cakes in a plate or bowl. You will need to mop up the excess liquid with a kitchen towel.