Ras Malai is a popular and indulgent dessert originating from the Indian subcontinent, particularly from the regions of Bengal and Odisha. It is a delightful sweet treat that is often served during special occasions, festivals, and celebrations. Here’s a description of Ras Malai:
The name “Ras Malai” is derived from two Hindi words: “Ras,” which means juice or syrup, and “Malai,” which refers to cream or milk. Together, Ras Malai translates to “cream in syrup.”
The dessert starts with making small, soft and spongy cheese dumplings called “Chena” or “Paneer.” To make Chena, whole milk is heated and curdled with a coagulant like lemon juice or vinegar. The curdled milk is then strained and pressed to remove excess whey, resulting in a soft and crumbly cheese.
The Chena is then kneaded until smooth, and small balls or discs are formed, which are gently cooked in a sugar syrup until they become spongy and soak up the sweetness of the syrup. The sugar syrup may be flavored with cardamom or saffron for added aroma and taste.
After the cheese dumplings are cooked, they are allowed to cool, and the excess sugar syrup is drained.
Next, a creamy and luscious milk sauce called “Ras” is prepared. To make Ras, milk is simmered and reduced until it thickens, and a layer of cream forms on top. Sweeteners like sugar or condensed milk are added to sweeten the milk, and flavors like cardamom or saffron are infused to add a delightful aromatic touch.
Once the milk sauce is ready, the cooked cheese dumplings are gently added to the Ras, allowing them to absorb the creamy goodness and become plump and flavorful.
Ras Malai is typically served chilled, allowing the flavors to meld together and creating a delightful contrast between the soft and spongy cheese dumplings and the creamy milk sauce.
To garnish, Ras Malai is often adorned with slivers of pistachios, almonds, or saffron strands, adding a visual appeal and a nutty flavor.
The end result is a delectable dessert that delights the palate with its rich and creamy texture, the subtle sweetness of the cheese dumplings, and the aromatic flavors of cardamom or saffron. Ras Malai is a true celebration of the traditional Indian dairy-based sweets, making it a favorite among dessert enthusiasts worldwide.
