Ras Malai is a classic Indian dessert that is made with cheese balls soaked in sweetened milk. This delicious dessert has its roots in the eastern part of India and is a popular dessert served at festivals and special occasions. The name “Ras Malai” comes from two words: “Ras” which means juice and “Malai” which means cream.
This dessert is perfect for those who love sweet and creamy desserts. The cheese balls are soft and spongy and soak up the sweetened milk, making it a heavenly dessert that melts in your mouth. The recipe may look a bit complicated, but it’s actually quite easy to make. So, let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 1 litre full cream milk
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp cardamom powder
- Saffron strands (optional)
- Chopped nuts for garnish
Instructions
- In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat milk and bring it to a boil. Add lemon juice and stir until the milk curdles.
- Drain the curdled milk in a muslin cloth and wash it under running water. This is done to remove any sourness from the lemon juice.
- Squeeze out the excess water from the cheese cloth and knead the cheese until it becomes smooth. Divide the dough into small portions and roll them into balls.
- In a separate pan, add water and sugar and bring it to a boil. Add the cheese balls and cook for 10-12 minutes.
- Add cardamom powder and saffron strands and let it simmer for 5 more minutes.
- Garnish with chopped nuts and serve chilled.
Variations
Vegan Ras Malai
To make a vegan version of Ras Malai, you can use almond milk or soy milk instead of regular milk. You can also use tofu instead of cheese to make the balls. The rest of the recipe remains the same.
Ras Malai Cake
To make a Ras Malai cake, you can bake a sponge cake and top it with Ras Malai balls and sweetened milk. This is a great way to enjoy the flavors of Ras Malai in a different form.
Chocolate Ras Malai
To make a chocolate version of Ras Malai, you can add cocoa powder to the cheese dough and make chocolate balls. You can also add chocolate syrup to the sweetened milk to give it a chocolatey twist.
Conclusion
Ras Malai is a delicious and easy dessert that anyone can make at home. This classic Indian dessert is perfect for any occasion and is sure to impress your guests. So, next time you’re in the mood for something sweet and creamy, try making Ras Malai at home. You won’t be disappointed!
FAQ
What is Ras Malai?
Ras Malai is a popular dessert from the Indian subcontinent made with chhena (cottage cheese) dumplings that are soaked in sweetened, thickened milk flavored with cardamom, saffron, and rose water.
Can I use store-bought paneer instead of making chhena at home?
Yes, you can use store-bought paneer instead of making chhena at home. However, the texture and taste of the Ras Malai may differ slightly from the traditional version.
How long does it take to make Ras Malai?
It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to make Ras Malai from start to finish, including the preparation of the chhena dumplings and the sweetened milk.
Can I make Ras Malai in advance?
Yes, you can make Ras Malai in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it is best to serve it fresh for the best taste and texture.
Can I freeze Ras Malai?
No, it is not recommended to freeze Ras Malai as it can cause the texture to become grainy and the sweetened milk to separate.
Can I use almond milk instead of cow’s milk for Ras Malai?
Yes, you can use almond milk instead of cow’s milk for Ras Malai. However, the taste and texture of the dessert may differ slightly from the traditional version.
Can I use honey instead of sugar to sweeten the milk for Ras Malai?
Yes, you can use honey instead of sugar to sweeten the milk for Ras Malai. However, the taste of the dessert may differ slightly from the traditional version.
Can I use cornstarch instead of all-purpose flour to bind the chhena for Ras Malai?
No, it is not recommended to use cornstarch instead of all-purpose flour to bind the chhena for Ras Malai as it can cause the chhena dumplings to break apart while cooking.
Can I skip soaking the chhena dumplings in sugar syrup for Ras Malai?
No, it is not recommended to skip soaking the chhena dumplings in sugar syrup for Ras Malai as it is an essential step for the sweetness and texture of the dessert.
Can I garnish Ras Malai with other nuts instead of pistachios?
Yes, you can garnish Ras Malai with other nuts such as almonds, cashews, or walnuts instead of pistachios.
