Coconut Kheer(নারকেলের পায়েস)

 **Narkel Payesh (Coconut Kheer) Recipe**  

**Ingredients:**

- Grated coconut: 1 cup

- Full-fat milk: 1 liter

- Sugar: 1/2 cup (adjust to taste)

- Cardamom powder: 1/2 teaspoon

- Bay leaves: 2

- Cashew nuts: 2 tablespoons (optional)

- Raisins: 1 tablespoon (optional)

- Ghee (clarified butter): 1 teaspoon

**Instructions:**

1. **Boil the Milk**: In a heavy-bottomed pan, bring the milk to a boil. Add bay leaves for added aroma.

2. **Simmer the Milk**: Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from sticking to the bottom. Let it reduce to about 3/4th of its original volume.

3. **Prepare Coconut**: In a separate pan, heat 1 teaspoon of ghee. Add the grated coconut and sauté it for 2-3 minutes until it slightly changes color. This enhances the coconut flavor.

4. **Add Coconut to Milk**: Add the sautéed grated coconut to the boiling milk. Stir well to mix everything together.

5. **Sweeten the Mixture**: Add sugar to the mixture and stir until it dissolves completely. Let it cook for another 5-7 minutes on low heat.

6. **Flavoring**: Add the cardamom powder and mix well. If using, add cashew nuts and raisins.

7. **Cook and Thicken**: Keep cooking until the mixture thickens to your desired consistency. The kheer should be creamy and rich.

8. **Serve**: Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. You can serve it warm or chilled, as per preference.

**Tips**:  

- For a richer flavor, you can use condensed milk instead of some of the regular milk.

- Garnish with extra coconut shavings or a sprinkle of nuts before serving.