Rasmalai Recipe
Rasmalai is a classic Indian dessert made from soft paneer balls soaked in a fragrant milk sauce flavored with cardamom and saffron. It’s a delicacy often served during special occasions, and its rich, creamy flavor is loved by many. With this recipe, you can make authentic rasmalai at home, impressing your friends and family with your culinary skills.
Ingredients
- 1 liter whole milk
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 cups water
- 1 liter whole milk (for the ras)
- 1/4 cup sugar (for the ras)
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
- A few strands of saffron
- Chopped pistachios and almonds, for garnish
Instructions
- To make paneer, bring 1 liter of milk to a boil in a pot. Add the lemon juice gradually until the milk curdles. Strain the curds through a cheesecloth and rinse with cold water. Hang the cheesecloth for 30 minutes to remove excess water.
- Knead the paneer for about 5 minutes until smooth and divide it into small balls, flattening slightly.
- In a large pot, combine 1 cup sugar and 4 cups water, and bring to a boil. Add the paneer balls and cook for 15 minutes, covered, over medium heat. The balls will expand as they cook. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In another pot, bring 1 liter of milk to a boil, then simmer until reduced by half. Add 1/4 cup sugar, cardamom powder, and saffron. Stir well and let it cool.
- Squeeze the syrup from the paneer balls gently and add them to the cooled milk. Let the rasmalai soak for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- Garnish with chopped pistachios and almonds before serving.
Tips
Use full-fat milk for a creamier texture. Make sure to knead the paneer well to achieve soft rasmalai. Soak overnight for deeper flavor absorption.
FAQs
- Can I use store-bought paneer? Store-bought paneer can be used, but fresh homemade paneer yields the best results for softness.
- How do I store rasmalai? Store rasmalai in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Can I add other flavors? Yes, rose water or kewra water can be added to the milk for extra fragrance.
- Is rasmalai gluten-free? Yes, rasmalai is naturally gluten-free.
Conclusion
Rasmalai is a rich and creamy Indian dessert that’s perfect for celebrations or when you want to treat yourself to something special. Soft, spongy paneer balls in a fragrant, sweet milk sauce are sure to delight anyone who loves authentic Indian flavors. Enjoy this classic dessert chilled for the best experience.