Ras malai –Rasmalai is a delightful and creamy dessert that holds a special place in many hearts. This indulgent treat is known for its soft, spongy cheese discs soaked in sweet milk, flavored with cardamom and garnished with nuts. It’s perfect for any festive occasion or when you just want to treat yourself. Let’s dive into how to make the best soft Rasmalai at home!
Image of Rasmalai
Here’s a visual feast of what our Rasmalai looks like. Picture the soft cheese discs swimming in a rich, sweet milk bath.
Ingredients
To prepare Rasmalai, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 500 grams of paneer (Indian cottage cheese)
- 1 liter of whole milk
- 200 grams of sugar
- 4-5 green cardamom pods, crushed
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice (or vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons of rice flour
- 1/4 cup of sliced almonds and pistachios for garnish
- A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
- Water as needed
Instructions
Follow these steps to make mouth-watering Rasmalai:
- Begin by making the paneer. In a large pot, bring the milk to a boil. Once boiling, slowly add lemon juice while stirring continuously. The milk will curdle, and the curds will separate from the whey.
- Turn off the heat and let it sit for a few minutes. Then pour the mixture through a muslin cloth or fine strainer to collect the curds. Rinse under cold water to remove any acidic taste and let it drain.
- Once drained, gather the cloth and squeeze out excess water. Transfer the paneer to a bowl, add rice flour, and knead it well for about 5-6 minutes until smooth.
- Divide the paneer into small balls and flatten them into discs. This will be the base of your Rasmalai.
- In a saucepan, mix the sugar with 4 cups of water and the crushed cardamom. Bring this mixture to a boil to make a sugar syrup.
- Gently add the paneer discs into the boiling syrup. Cook them for about 8-10 minutes, during which they will expand and become spongy.
- Remove the discs and let them cool. In a separate pot, boil the remaining milk until it reduces to about half its volume. Add sugar, saffron, and any remaining cardamom. Stir continuously.
- After the milk thickens a bit, add the cooled paneer discs into the pot and let them soak in the flavored milk for a couple of hours, or even overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
- Before serving, garnish with sliced almonds, pistachios, and a sprinkle of saffron. Serve chilled for a refreshing dessert experience.
Enjoy this exquisite dessert that’s perfect for celebrations or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth!