Homemade Delight: How Soaked Poha in Boiling Milk Transforms into a Luxurious Sweet

Tired of expensive, adulterated sweets from the market? Cooking at home can offer both purity and taste. Renowned home chef Poonam Singh has shared a simple yet sumptuous recipe using flattened rice (poha) and milk that delivers a royal treat at a fraction of the cost. The combination of roasted poha and boiling milk creates a texture so rich that no one would guess it is made from humble flattened rice.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

Unlike traditional sweets, this recipe requires neither khoya (condensed milk solids) nor the hassle of sugar syrup. Simply combining poha with milk produces a soft, slightly grainy, melt-in-the-mouth sweet. The use of jaggery adds natural sweetness, making it a healthier alternative to sugar-laden desserts.

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Clean and Roast the Poha
Take 2 cups of poha and lightly rinse to remove dust—soaking is unnecessary. Roast it slowly in a heavy-bottomed pan until crisp. This step removes the raw taste and adds a nutty aroma.

2. Grind Poha to a Light Powder
Spread the roasted poha on a plate to cool completely. Transfer to a mixer jar and pulse intermittently, rather than continuously, to achieve a lightly grainy powder, which enhances the dessert’s texture.

3. Mix with Milk and Coconut
Transfer the powdered poha into a large bowl. Add ½ cup desiccated coconut and 4 cups of milk. Mix thoroughly to avoid lumps and let it sit for 5 minutes. The poha absorbs the milk and thickens into a paste-like consistency.

4. Prepare Jaggery Syrup
Dissolve the required amount of jaggery in warm water, strain to remove impurities, and create a smooth syrup. This will give the sweet a rich color and a gentle natural sweetness.

5. Cook the Mixture
Heat a tablespoon of ghee in a pan, add the thick poha-milk paste, and stir for 2 minutes. Pour in the jaggery syrup, keeping the flame low. Stir continuously as the mixture thickens and grains form. Enhance flavor by adding a pinch of cardamom powder and finely chopped dry fruits of your choice.

6. Set and Garnish
Once the mixture starts leaving the sides of the pan and acquires a glossy sheen, transfer it to a butter-paper-lined tray. Spread evenly with a spoon and let it cool completely. Once set, cut into desired shapes and serve.

This easy-to-make, nutritious poha milk cake is perfect for festive occasions or sudden sweet cravings, offering a homemade treat that rivals even the most expensive shop-bought desserts.