Bhapa Doi -- Steamed Sweet Yogurt

August is a month of celebration and merriment around home. It is also a time to take a breather from the pursuit of happiness and be happy with what already exists. The last year has been a hard one for us and maybe one day when I am at peace with the situation I will write about it.

But one thing I have learned in the process. When you are shattered and don't have control over destiny, non-atheists like me pray. They pray with all their might, asking God to settle things, to make whatever is going wrong right, to solve the problem. God does not necessarily listen but all that praying lends courage to otherwise scared souls and you learn to survive, to take things in your stride and most of all to accept if you are unable to make the change.

As time passes you realize that situations do not go on reverse and solve themselves, miracles don't happen but you just learn to accept whatever has been doled out to you and you try to make the best out of it. If Time does not heal it at least mutes the pain and that in itself is a miracle.

Now on a more cheery note back to the merriment. Hot and humid August is perfect time to let go of the worries and sink into blissful indulgence. Summer does that to you. Nature is so giving and earth is smelling so sweet, how can one not be happy to just be hanging around.

To celebrate the month with us we have friends popping in and out almost all weekends. Friends who have been a partner in the pain and now deserve a share of happiness, friends who have not been burdened with our worries and yet deserve a share of sweet luscious Bhapa Doi.

Bhapa Doi which was made this time around with delicious Oikos Greek Yogurt from Stonyfield Farms. Anyone who has kids would be familiar with the Stonyfield Farms Yo Baby organic yogurts. That was the staple yogurt for Big Sis S until of course she discovered Natural Desi dahi and now slowly Baby A is getting her taste of Yo Baby yogurts.

The greek yogurt from Stonyfield Farms is a delight, the ones with honey is now almost a lunch time staple for me. With the plain I decided to make the much loved Bhapa Doi. The Sweet steamed yogurt or Bhapa Doi as we say in Bengali came out much more creamier than usual, thanks to Oikos Greek Yogurt. In fact even with a Non-fat version of the Greek yogurt this dessert came out more than perfect

This is a very simple dessert to make, something you can make even when you are thinking "Oh I haven't made any dessert" and the guests ring the bell. It is so easy that your 5 year old can make it, only he/she shouldn't 'coz it involves a hot oven.


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Bhapa Doi

Mix about 1 can of condensed Milk, 1 cup of Evaporated Milk, 1 cup of Greek Yogurt. Beat with a hand mixer or in the blender till nice and frothy. Pour in a baking dish.
Note: This time around to add my own twist, I scooped out half a ripe mango and added it. Use a little less than 1 can of condensed milk if you don't like it very sweet.

Update on 08/29/09 : Also if you do not have greek yogurt you can use regular full fat plain yogurt but the measurements may vary. Today I made a Bhapa Doi again with Whole Milk Plain Yogurt. The measurements were about 1 can of condensed milk + 1 cup Evaporated Milk + 1 cup Full fat plain yogurt. No need to use hung yogurt but I drained out the whey simply by putting the yogurt on a strainer.If you don't like too much sweet, use a little less than 1 can of condensed milk.

Heat Oven to 350 F. Fill a large baking tray with water. Put the baking dish with the mix in it so that water is half way up. Do not cover the baking dish.

After 30 - 35 minutes the yogurt will be set, if not allow a couple more minutes. Take it out and chill in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours. Note for double the quantity: If you have started off with more quantity, it will take more time, you will know when the top and edges start browning a little. At this point insert a fork lightly to see if it is done. It might be a little wobbly but cool in the refrigerator for 5-6 hrs or overnight to set completely.

Garnish with saffron strands and serve. Or with the mango flavored one garnish with pieces of fresh ripe sweet mango.

Tip: If you have a small gathering, You can pour the mix in small ramekins and set the bhapa doi in it. Such individual servings look damn cute.

Updated on 08/21: An alternate method to make this dessert is on the stove stop in a double boiler. I am not sure if it can be done in pressure cooker. Check this link for several variations on this dessert

Trivia: Called “yiaourti” in Greece, Greek yogurt is creamier than regular yogurt. It also has twice the protein and fewer carbs than regular yogurt