drink

How to make Molida at home for Durga Puja celebrations

Cool, sweet and packed with festive flavours, Molida is a perfect drink to enjoy after pandal-hopping this Puja season

Molida is a traditional, refreshing drink from Bengal, made with milk, fruits, jaggery and a hint of spice. It is served chilled and is perfect for festive gatherings. Light yet filling, this drink is ideal for quenching thirst after long hours of Durga Puja pandal-hopping.

Ingredients

• Soft rice (pola rice or flattened rice/chira): 1 cup
• Chilled water: 3-5 cups, or to taste
• Sugar: 5 tablespoons, or to taste
• Grated coconut (tender is preferable): ½ cup
• Ginger paste or grated ginger: 3 tsp
• Salt: ¼ tsp

Method

• Rinse the soft rice thoroughly and soak it in plain water for about 15 minutes, or until it softens
• Drain the water and transfer the rice to a bowl. Mash with your hands or a spoon until it forms a smooth, pasty consistency
• Add sugar, salt, grated coconut and ginger to the mashed rice
• Pour chilled water into the bowl and mix thoroughly until the sugar fully dissolves. Adjust the water for your preferred consistency
• Garnish with extra grated coconut, if you like, and enjoy immediately while chilled