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Ras Malai

Soft, flattened curd cheese patties soaked in sweet, cardamom and saffron infused milk syrup.

70 minMediumServes 6280 cal/serving

IndianDessertStovetopVegetarianHalal-friendlyGluten-FreeEgg-FreeSoy-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeAlcohol-FreeNightshade-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

  • 12 cups whole milk
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 4 cups water
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
  • 2 pinches saffron strands
  • 2 tbsp pistachios, chopped

Instructions

  1. 1

    Bring 12 cups whole milk to a boil in a large pot over medium heat.

  2. 2

    Stir in 1/4 cup lemon juice to curdle the milk, then strain through cheesecloth and rinse with cold water.

  3. 3

    Squeeze out excess liquid from the milk curd and knead on a clean surface for 8 minutes until smooth.

  4. 4

    Divide the dough into equal portions and flatten into thin patties.

  5. 5

    In a wide pan, boil 4 cups water with 1.5 cups granulated sugar, then simmer the patties covered for 15 minutes until doubled in size.

  6. 6

    Flavor the remaining cooked milk syrup with 1/2 tsp ground cardamom and 2 pinches saffron strands.

  7. 7

    Gently transfer the pressed patties into the flavored milk, top with 2 tbsp chopped pistachios, and chill before serving.

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Questions

What is Ras Malai?

Soft, flattened curd cheese patties soaked in sweet, cardamom and saffron infused milk syrup. This reference files it under Indian dessert: made on the stovetop, rated medium and about 70 minutes start to finish.

How much time should I plan for Ras Malai?

As written, 70 minutes: 30 of prep and 40 of cooking. The longest single stretch is step 5 (15 minutes): "In a wide pan, boil 4 cups water with 1.5 cups granulated sugar, then simmer the patties covered for 15 minutes until doubled in size."

Is there a substitute for saffron in Ras Malai?

The entry for Ras Malai calls for 2 pinches saffron strands. In its place: Nothing reproduces the flavor of saffron. A pinch of turmeric supplies the color only.

Can I make Ras Malai dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in Ras Malai is 12 cups whole milk. Swap the milk for unsweetened oat or soy milk. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Is Ras Malai vegan?

No, though it is vegetarian. What keeps it from vegan is 12 cups whole milk. For fully plant-based entries, see the vegan dessert collection.

How many calories are in Ras Malai?

One serving (the recipe makes 6) is about 280 calories, with 8 g protein, 32 g carbohydrate and 14 g fat, plus 1 g fiber and 110 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

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