I was multi-tasking a few weeks ago-telling mom that it was ages since I tasted Rasmalai and was checking my mail side by side.That’s when I saw Srivalli’s announcement for this month’s Indian Cooking Challenge.I was surprised!This months the chosen recipe was Rasmalai!!!Rasmalai is a traditional sweet from West Bengal,India and also a favorite in Bangladesh.
I decided then and there that I would make this.The reason being-I had missed last months challenge and I had developed a sudden craving for Rasmalai.Though I wanted to make it ASAP,I could do this only a couple of days ago and thoroughly enjoyed every step of this procedure.The process may seem lengthy but the result is worth every bite!!!
Take a look at the yummy dessert before I proceed to the method…
Now for the step by step guide to make this delicious dessert at home.
I used:
Milk-1 liter + 3/4 liter
Lemon juice from half a lemon
Sugar -a little less than half a kilo
Maida- 1 teaspoon
Cardamom-2 pods,crushed
Saffron-a few strands,soaked in a tablespoon of warm milk
Powdered nuts-2 tablespoons
1.Heat 1 liter milk in a vessel and bring it to boil.
2.Switch off the flame and squeeze out the juice from the lemon.
3.It will curdle immediately,else add more lemon juice.Let it stand for 10 minutes.
5.Put the panner into a vessel and wash a couple of times with water.
6.Transfer the paneer onto a cheese cloth and squeeze out excess water.
7.Tie the cloth and hang it so that the whey drains out completely.It took almost an hour.
8.The whey water is very nutritious .So do not discard it.Store it in the fridge for later use.
9.After the whey has drained completely here is the paneer ready to be used.
10.Add the maida to the paneer and knead for 15 minutes.Knead well else it may break when dropped into the sugar syrup.
I got 15…
12.In a pressure cooker,take 2 cups of water and add half the sugar.
13.Once the sugar dissolves,put in the paneer balls and pressure cook for 2 whistles / 10 minutes.
14.The paneer will be double the original size now.
15.Heat the 3/4 liter milk in a heavy bottomed vessel and add the remaining sugar, nuts, saffron, cardamom and simmer till it reduces to 3/4th of the original quantity.
16.Remove the paneer from the syrup and squeeze them gently to remove excess syrup.Flatten them lightly.
17.Drop them gently into the reduced milk mixture.
18.Simmer for 10 minutes.Remove from heat.Let it cool,refrigerate and serve!!!
Isn’t it pretty easy.I finished the actual procedure in an hour.The waiting time was 1 hour for the whey to drain.During this time I could have started heating the milk and the nuts mixture but I was happily reading Jeffery Archer’s-Prison diary Volume 3 and almost forgot that I had still more work in the kitchen!My nephews who love this dessert were eager to taste it and they were totally taken in by the taste!!!They want me to prepare this again!!!I am so glad it turned out perfect…
The chilled Rasmalai was way better than the ones I used to have outside.It does make sense,after all, its home made!!!
The whey that we get when milk coagulates is rich in nutrients.It can be used in a plenty of ways.All you need to do is store it in the refrigerator and
- Use it to prepare chapathi/Roti use this water to make the dough.
- It can also be used instead of lemon juice[as a starter] the next time you make paneer.
- Use it as a soup base
- Add a pinch of salt and drink it up.
- Use it while preparing baked goodies.
- Use it in milkshakes instead/with milk.
Earlier in ICC
Ariselu / Athirasam
Kachori
Moong dhal halwa
Chegodilu
Gulab jamun
Happy feasting…..
All I can say is Awesome,awesome and awesome, a perfect visual treat too.
Wow dear, really came out very well ๐
Ras malai looks delicious and you have beautifully presented it.
Lovely pics PJ and I am so glad it came out well for you..looks really spongy and delicious:)
mouthwatering Rasmalais. Really turned out perfectly well
Prefect rasmalai looks super delicious..
Looks delicious. Awesome pics.
PJ
Thank you for the step-by-step photos; I was planning to make a cheese last week and it did not work, so I am learning from your method today; maybe I will not fail next time! This dessert looks absolutely splendid!
Looks perfect.Since I just made it for a party last month, I didnt wnt to add those extra calories this month.But I feel bad now after seeing all these wonderful posts.great work
Looks perfect
Rasmalai looks ecstatic with the step by step pics. Homemade versions sounds really good. Oflate I have been missing ICC due to my crazy schedule.
Rasmalai looks gorgeous.
Looking good! I think i didn't sweeten or cook down my ras enough – yours looks creamy and delicious. BTW – do you know how long one can keep whey, i put mine in the fridge right after i collected it, but not sure of its shelf life…thanks!
they have come out very well PJ, beautiful clicks, and wonderful step-by-step presentation..
Thank you girls ๐
Ann,I used up the whey[that i had stored in the refrigerator]within a week.I am not really sure about its shelf life.
Hi PJ,
Nice post! I liked the way you have presented rasgulla making step by step. I am certainly going to try this soon.
mouth watering especially since it is one of my favourite sweet.