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rasmalai recipe

Rasmalai Recipe

Rasmalai is a soft and spongy Indian dessert made with paneer balls soaked in saffron-flavored sweetened milk, garnished with almonds and pistachios.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4 people
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Heavy-bottomed pan
  • 1 Muslin cloth
  • 1 Wide pan for boiling
  • 2 Mixing bowls
  • 2 Spatula

Ingredients
  

  • 250 g Paneer
  • 4 cups Full cream milk
  • 3 tbsp Sugar
  • ½ tsp Cardamom
  • Saffron
  • 8 Almonds
  • 8 Pistachios
  • 2 tbsp Lemon juice or vinegar (for curdling milk)
  • 2 cups Water (for boiling chhena balls)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the paneer/chhena: Boil milk and curdle it using lemon juice or vinegar. Drain through a muslin cloth and rinse under cold water to remove acidity. Squeeze out excess water and knead the chhena until smooth and soft.
  • Shape the paneer balls: Divide the kneaded chhena into small portions and gently shape them into smooth, flat discs. Make sure there are no cracks so they do not break while cooking.
  • Cook the chhena balls: In a wide pan, bring water to a boil and add a few drops of rose water. Gently add the chhena discs and cook on medium heat for 10–12 minutes. The balls will expand slightly. Remove them and let them cool in cold water.
  • Prepare the rabri (sweetened milk): Boil full cream milk in a heavy-bottomed pan. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens. Add sugar, crushed cardamom, and a few saffron strands. Mix well and simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Soak the paneer in rabri: Gently squeeze the chhena balls to remove excess water and add them to the simmering rabri. Let them soak for at least 2–3 hours in the refrigerator so they absorb the flavors and become soft and juicy.
  • Garnish and serve: Before serving, garnish Rasmalai with slivered almonds and pistachios. You can also drizzle a few drops of rose water for extra fragrance. Serve chilled for the best taste.

Notes

  • Always use fresh, soft paneer or chhena for the best texture.
  • You can skip saffron or rose water if unavailable; the dessert will still taste delicious.
  • Knead the chhena well until smooth to make soft and spongy balls. Simmer the chhena balls gently in water or sugar syrup to prevent them from breaking.
  • Stir the milk frequently while making rabri to avoid sticking or burning.
  • Adjust sugar according to taste and the sweetness of the milk.
  • Refrigerate the Rasmalai for a few hours before serving to let the flavors meld.
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