Ras Malai is a beloved Indian dessert known for its creamy, milky flavor and soft, spongy dumplings soaked in sweet, aromatic milk. Making Ras Malai at home might sound intimidating, but with the right ingredients and a step-by-step guide, you can create this delectable treat in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
For the Rasgulla Dumplings:
- 1 liter whole milk
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice or white vinegar
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
For the Sweetened Milk (Ras):
- 1 liter whole milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- A few saffron strands (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- Chopped pistachios and almonds for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing Rasgulla Dumplings
1.1. Curdle the Milk:
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pan, bring 1 liter of whole milk to a boil.
- Add lemon juice or white vinegar while stirring gently until the milk curdles and separates into curds (chenna) and whey. This may take a few minutes.
1.2. Strain the Curds:
- Once the milk has curdled completely, strain it through a muslin cloth or a fine strainer to separate the curds from the whey.
- Rinse the chenna under cold water to remove any residual lemon juice or vinegar taste.
1.3. Prepare the Dumplings:
- Squeeze out excess water from the chenna, then knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it's smooth and free of lumps.
- Divide the chenna into small, equal-sized portions and roll them into smooth, round dumplings. Make sure there are no cracks.
Step 2: Cooking the Dumplings
2.1. Prepare the Sugar Syrup:
- In a wide, deep pan, bring 2 cups of sugar and 4 cups of water to a boil. Add cardamom powder and mix well.
2.2. Cook the Dumplings:
- Carefully drop the chenna dumplings into the boiling sugar syrup.
- Cover and simmer for about 20-25 minutes. The dumplings will double in size and become spongy. Ensure they don't stick together.
Step 3: Preparing the Sweetened Milk (Ras)
3.1. Boil the Milk:
- In another large, heavy-bottomed pan, bring 1 liter of whole milk to a boil. Stir occasionally to avoid scorching.
3.2. Add Sugar and Flavors:
- Once the milk starts boiling, add sugar, cardamom powder, and saffron strands (if using).
- Continue to simmer until the milk reduces by about half, stirring frequently.
Step 4: Assembling Ras Malai
4.1. Soak the Dumplings:
- Once the dumplings are cooked and the milk is reduced, gently squeeze out excess sugar syrup from the dumplings. Place them in the sweetened milk (ras).
4.2. Chill and Garnish:
- Let the Ras Malai chill in the refrigerator for a few hours. It's best when served cold.
- Garnish with chopped pistachios and almonds before serving.
4.3. Enjoy:
Serve the Ras Malai as a delightful dessert to end your meal.
Making Ras Malai at home might take some time and effort, but the results are well worth it. The soft, spongy dumplings swimming in creamy, sweetened milk will be a treat that everyone at the table will savor and appreciate. So, try your hand at making this beloved Indian dessert, and enjoy the delightful flavors of Ras Malai!