Rasmalai/ Creamy and Sweet Malai

Indian subcontinent is known for its colours and culinary delights. Rasmalai is one such culinary delight for people with a sweet tooth. Even if you do not have a sweet tooth then this is a must try because this dessert is slightly sweet and not overpowering. “Ras” means juice and “Malai” means cream. It is a dessert in which flattened channa (cottage cheese) patties that are soft and spongy is served in rich gravy made by thickening milk. For a detailed process of preparation, here is an easy to follow recipe. Prepare this melt in the mouth dessert and gain the appreciation of your guests and family members.

 

Ingredients-

• whole milk: 600 ml

• lemon juice/vinegar

• Ghee: 1 tsp

• sugar: 1/3 cups (depending on how sweet you like your Rasmalai to be)

(for Garnishing):

• Cardamom: ¼ tsp

• Pistachios: 2 tsp

• Almonds: 1 tsp

• Saffron: a pinch

 

Preparation –

  • Sour the whole milk with lemon juice or Vinegar

  • Discard all water (whey) and put the solids in a cheese cloth (husband’s hankie works fine) and press it with heavy weight. (Ok this is what I actually do. I take a flat plate and spread the hanky or cheese cloth on it. Then I put the solid on the cloth and wrap the cloth around. I then put the cutting board over it and place a heavy utensil on the board.

  • After ½ hr take out the weight and knead the chhena with a tsp of ghee/butter (you can skip the ghee if you want) until it is all smooth and there are no lumps. In a saucepan boil 8 cups of water.

  • Make small size balls with the chhena. Then flatten them to a disc shape.When the water starts to boil, drop the discs. Let it boil for 10-15 mins ON LOW HEAT with the lid partially open.

  • Side by side, boil 3 cups of water on high heat and pour the sugar (add sugar as per taste, maximum 3 cups of sugar). Let the water boil to half. The syrup will thicken.Switch off the heat.

  • Dip the boiled disc into sugar syrup for 5 mins.Start boiling 1.5 – 2 cups whole milk in another pan.

  • Add sugar as per taste (Maximum 5 tbsp.) Keep Shimmering for 20 mins until milk becomes thickened. Keep stirring frequently so that it doesn’t get scorched.

  • Add the cardamom powder, chopped almond and pistachios and saffron.

  • Take out the discs from sugar syrup and drop them in the flavored milk while it’s still hot.Serve cold.

  • You can add pistachio, almond on the top of discs for garnishing while serving.

Dessert Comments Off on Rasmalai/ Creamy and Sweet Malai