Dessert · Dinner · Indian · Asian ·

Sweet Bangladeshi Payesh with Cardamom and Cashews

Name: Sweet Bangladeshi Payesh with Cardamom and Cashews
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 75 min
Total time: 100 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients: 1/2 cup Basmati rice; 1 liter Whole milk; 1/2 cup Sugar; 2 tbsp Ghee (clarified butter); 5-6 Green cardamom pods (crushed); 1/4 cup Cashews; 1/4 cup Raisins; A pinch of Saffron strands; 1 tsp Vanilla extract; 1/4 cup Sweetened condensed milk (optional)

Payesh is a classic Bengali dessert, rich with flavors of cardamom, saffron, and the crunchy sweetness of cashews. A delightful end to any meal.

4.1(982 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·August 19, 2025

Sweet Bangladeshi Payesh with Cardamom and Cashews — Dessert served and photographed from above

Prep

25 min

Cook

1 h 15 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Payesh Base

For the Garnish

For the Flavor Enhancements

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 513 kcal
Protein: 12 g
Carbs: 72.5 g
Fat: 20.6 g
Fiber: 1 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 2052 kcal
Protein: 48 g
Carbs: 290 g
Fat: 82.5 g
Fiber: 4 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
1/2 cup Basmati rice	340	7	77	0.5	1
1 liter Whole milk	620	32	48	36	0
1/2 cup Sugar	387	0	100	0	0
2 tbsp Ghee (clarified butter)	239	0	0	27	0
5-6 Green cardamom pods (crushed)	18	0	4	0	1
1/4 cup Cashews	196	5	9	16	1
1/4 cup Raisins	108	1	29	0	1
A pinch of Saffron strands	2	0	0	0	0
1 tsp Vanilla extract	12	0	1	0	0
1/4 cup Sweetened condensed milk (optional)	130	3	22	3	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Rice

1
Rinse the Rice
Rinse the Basmati rice thoroughly until the water runs clear.
2
Soak the Rice
Soak the rice in water for 20 minutes.
3
Drain the Rice
Drain the rice before using.

Preparing the Nuts and Saffron

1
Fry the Cashews
Heat ghee in a pan, fry the cashews until golden brown—set aside.
2
Fry the Raisins
In the same ghee, fry the raisins until they puff up—remove and set aside.
3
Soak Saffron
Soak saffron strands in 2 tablespoons of warm milk.

How to Make Sweet Bangladeshi Payesh with Cardamom and Cashews

Total time: 1 h 40 min · Yields 4 servings

1
Simmer the Milk
Pour the milk into a heavy-bottomed pan and bring it to a gentle boil.
2
Cook the Rice
Add the soaked rice to the milk, stir frequently, simmering until rice is fully cooked.
3
Sweeten and Flavor
Stir in sugar, cardamom, and vanilla extract; mix well; add sweetened condensed milk for extra richness.