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Indian ras malai patties in saffron-cardamom milk with pistachios.

Indian Ras Malai

Soft chenna patties soaked in saffron-cardamom milk with pistachios.
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Draining and chilling 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 330

Ingredients
 
 

Chenna Patties
  • 8 cups whole milk
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
Saffron Milk
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 tsp saffron threads lightly crushed
  • 1 tsp ground cardamom
  • 3 tbsp shelled pistachios thinly sliced
  • 1 tsp rose water optional

Equipment

  • Large heavy saucepan
  • Cheesecloth
  • Fine-mesh sieve
  • Wide saucepan
  • Slotted spoon

Method
 

Make the Chenna:
  1. Bring 8 cups milk just to a boil. Lower heat and stir in lemon juice gradually until curds separate from clear whey. Pour through cheesecloth and rinse under cool water.
  2. Gather the cloth and squeeze gently, then hang for 30 minutes. Knead the chenna for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and able to hold together. Shape 16 small, slightly flattened patties.
Poach the Patties:
  1. Bring water and 1 cup sugar to a rolling boil in a wide covered saucepan. Add patties with room to expand, cover, and boil steadily for 12 minutes.
  2. Turn off heat and rest for 10 minutes. Transfer patties to warm water for 5 minutes, then press each very gently between spoons to remove excess syrup.
Make the Saffron Milk:
  1. Simmer 4 cups milk in a heavy pan for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring often, until reduced by one-quarter. Add 1/3 cup sugar, saffron, and cardamom for 3 minutes. Cool until warm.
  2. Add patties, pistachios, and rose water. Chill for at least 90 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 330kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 12gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 160mgFiber: 1gSugar: 42g

Notes

  • Knead until the chenna is cohesive but stop before fat begins to release; overworked patties can become dense.
  • Keep refrigerated and serve within three days; the flavor improves after several hours in the saffron milk.