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Rose-Scented Rasmalai

A luxurious and homey dessert featuring soft chenna balls soaked in fragrant, cardamom-rose milk, perfect for celebrations and gatherings.
Prep Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Dessert, Sweet
Cuisine Indian, Vegetarian
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients
  

For the Chenna

  • 2 liters whole milk For making chenna.
  • 4 tbsp vinegar Can be replaced with fresh lemon juice.
  • 1 tsp corn flour To bind the chenna lightly; optional.

For the Sugar Syrup

  • 4 cups water For making sugar syrup.
  • 1 cup sugar To sweeten the syrup.
  • 1 tbsp rose water For flavoring the syrup.
  • 1 tbsp rose syrup For color and flavor.

For the Ras (Flavored Milk)

  • 1 liter whole milk For making the flavored milk.
  • 5-6 pcs green cardamom pods Crushed for warming spice.
  • 2 tbsp rose syrup To flavor the ras.
  • 6 tbsp sugar To sweeten the ras.

For Garnish

  • 1 tbsp pistachios, finely chopped For garnish.
  • 1 tbsp cashews, finely chopped For garnish.
  • 1 tbsp almonds, finely chopped For garnish.

Instructions
 

Making Chenna

  • Heat 2 liters of whole milk in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
  • When the milk comes to a gentle boil, reduce heat and add 4 tbsp vinegar slowly while stirring. The milk will separate into curds and whey. Turn off heat.
  • Pour through a muslin/cheesecloth-lined sieve. Rinse the curds under cold water to remove the vinegar taste.
  • Tie the muslin and hang for 20–30 minutes to drain excess whey. The chenna should be moist but not dripping.
  • Transfer the chenna to a plate and knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and slightly glossy. Add 1 tsp corn flour and knead briefly to incorporate.
  • Divide into equal portions and roll into smooth balls. Flatten them slightly.

Poaching the Chenna Balls

  • In a wide skillet, combine 4 cups of water and 1 cup of sugar. Bring to a simmer and add 1 tbsp rose water and 1 tbsp rose syrup.
  • Gently slide in the chenna discs. Poach the discs on low-medium heat for 8–10 minutes until they puff and firm up. Remove and set aside to cool in the syrup.

Preparing the Ras

  • Pour 1 liter of whole milk into a wide pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
  • Add crushed cardamom pods and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the milk reduces by about one-quarter to one-third and takes on a creamy thickness (15–25 minutes).
  • Stir in 6 tbsp sugar and 2 tbsp rose syrup. Taste and adjust sweetness.
  • Cool the milk completely. Remove cardamom pods; chill in the refrigerator.

Assembly

  • Once both the chenna discs and ras are cool, gently transfer the chenna into the chilled ras. Let them soak for at least 2–4 hours, preferably overnight.
  • Garnish with finely chopped pistachios, cashews, and almonds before serving.

Notes

Rasmalai is best served chilled. Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Freezing fully assembled rasmalai is not recommended. Prepare chenna and ras a day ahead for better flavor.
Keyword Festive Sweets, Floral Dessert, Homemade Dessert, Rasmalai, Rose Dessert