Ras Malai

Kacchi

Ras Malai is a popular Indian dessert known for its exquisite flavor and delicate texture. It consists of soft, spongy cheese dumplings, called "chenna," soaked in sweetened, saffron-infused milk. The dumplings are typically flavored with cardamom and garnished with slivered pistachios or almonds. Ras Malai is a delightful treat that offers a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and aromatic flavors, making it a beloved dessert in Indian cuisine.

Ingredients

  1. Milk
  2. Lemon juice or vinegar (for curdling milk)
  3. Water
  4. Sugar
  5. Saffron threads (optional)
  6. Cardamom pods or cardamom powder
  7. Pistachios (for garnish)
  8. Almonds (for garnish)

Steps

  1. Boil milk in a heavy-bottomed pan.
  2. Add lemon juice or vinegar to curdle the milk, creating chenna (cheese-like curds).
  3. Drain the whey from the chenna using a muslin cloth or cheesecloth.
  4. Knead the chenna to make it smooth and divide it into small, equal-sized balls, shaping them into flattened dumplings.
  5. In a separate pot, prepare a sugar syrup with water and sugar. Optionally, add saffron threads and cardamom for flavor.
  6. Bring the syrup to a boil and gently place the chenna dumplings into the simmering syrup.
  7. Cover the pot and let the dumplings simmer for about 15-20 minutes until they double in size and become spongy.
  8. Once cooked, remove the dumplings and let them cool.
  9. Garnish the Ras Malai with slivered pistachios and almonds.
  10. Chill the Ras Malai in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
  11. Your delicious Ras Malai is ready to be enjoyed as a sweet dessert.