Ras Malai: A Creamy Indian Dessert

Ras Malai is a popular Indian dessert made with soft, spongy cheese balls soaked in a fragrant cardamom-flavored milk syrup. It’s a light and refreshing treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

For the Cheese Balls:

• 1 liter full-fat milk
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vinegar

For the Syrup:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder

For the Topping:

• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• A few saffron strands

Instructions:

1. Make the cheese: In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat. Add lemon juice and vinegar, and let it curdle. Strain the curdled milk through a muslin cloth to separate the whey from the cheese. Rinse the cheese with cold water to remove any acidity.
2. Shape the cheese balls: Squeeze the excess water from the cheese. Divide the cheese into small balls, about the size of a walnut.
3. Make the syrup: In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the sugar dissolves and the syrup thickens. Add cardamom powder.
4. Soak the cheese balls: Add the cheese balls to the cooled syrup. Let them soak for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
5. Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, whisk together heavy cream, cardamom powder, and saffron strands.
6. Serve: Serve the cheese balls chilled, topped with the prepared cream mixture.

For a richer flavor, you can add a few drops of rose water to the syrup.

Would you like to try a variation on this classic dessert, like adding nuts or pistachios?