Rasgulla, the quintessential Bengali sweet, has become a beloved dessert all over the world. The soft and spongy texture, paired with the sweet syrup, is an instant hit with everyone. Making rasgulla at home is not only a delightful experience but also economical. In this blog, we will provide you with the best rasgulla recipe along with tips to make it perfect every time.
Overview on Rasgulla Recipe
Rasgulla is a traditional Bengali sweet made from chhena or cottage cheese and is typically served in a light sugar syrup. This spongy, soft, and creamy dessert is a must-try for all sweet lovers. It's also easy to make and can be prepared at home with just a few simple ingredients.
What is Rasgulla?
Rasgulla is a popular dessert that originated in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal. It is made with chhena, which is a form of cottage cheese made from milk. The chhena is kneaded into balls and boiled in a sugar syrup until it becomes soft and spongy.
How to Make Rasgulla
Detailed recipe for making delicious rasgulla at home:
Overview
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Serving: 12-14 rasgullas
Ingredients
● 1-litre full-fat milk (cow's or buffalo's milk)
● 2 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar
● 4 cups water
● 1 cup sugar
● 3-4 green cardamom pods
● A few saffron strands (optional)
Instructions
1. Making Chhena
● In a heavy bottomed pan, heat the milk on medium heat until it comes to a boil.
● Once the milk comes to a boil, add the lemon juice or vinegar and stir until the milk curdles.
● Turn off the heat and let it rest for a minute.
● Strain the curdled milk through a cheesecloth or muslin cloth to separate the whey from the chhena.
● Rinse the chhena under cold water to remove any sourness from the lemon juice or vinegar.
● Tie the cloth tightly and hang it for 30 minutes to let any excess water drain out.
2. Preparing Chhena for Rasgulla
● After 30 minutes, remove the chhena from the cloth and knead it until it becomes smooth.
● Knead the chhena for 5-7 minutes until it forms a smooth dough.
● Divide the chhena dough into 12-14 equal parts and roll them into smooth balls without any cracks.
3. Making Rasgulla
● In a separate heavy-bottomed pan, add water, sugar, cardamom pods and saffron strands (if using).
● Stir the mixture and bring it to a boil.
● Add the chhena balls to the boiling syrup and cover the pan with a lid.
● Cook on medium heat for 10-12 minutes until the balls have doubled in size and are spongy.
● Turn off the heat and let the rasgullas rest in the syrup for 30 minutes to absorb the flavours.
4. Tips for Making Soft Rasgulla
● Ensure that the chhena is well-kneaded and has no cracks.
● Do not overcook the chhena balls in the syrup, as they may become hard.
● Make sure that the syrup is boiling when you add the chhena balls to it.
● The rasgullas will absorb the syrup, so make sure that the syrup is sweet enough.
● If the syrup is too thin, boil it for a few more minutes to thicken it.
5. Plating Ideas for Rasgulla
● Serve the rasgullas in the syrup, garnished with a few saffron strands or chopped nuts.
● You can also serve them chilled or at room temperature.
Enjoy the delicious, soft and spongy rasgullas that you've made with this easy recipe at home!
Tips for Making Soft Rasgulla
Making rasgulla can be a little tricky, but with a few tips, you can get it right every time. The chhena should be kneaded until it becomes soft and smooth, without any lumps. The balls should be rolled smoothly without any cracks. The sugar syrup should be at the right consistency and temperature. The rasgulla should be boiled for the right amount of time to ensure that it becomes soft and spongy.
Plating Ideas for Rasgulla
Rasgulla can be served warm or cold, and can be garnished with a variety of toppings, such as chopped pistachios, almonds, or saffron. It can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream, or with some rose syrup for added flavour.
Conclusion
Rasgulla is a delightful dessert that can be easily made at home. With the right ingredients, techniques, and tips, you can make the best rasgulla ever. The soft and spongy texture paired with the sweet syrup makes it an irresistible dessert that is sure to please everyone. With the step-by-step recipe and expert tips provided in this blog, you can make the perfect rasgulla every time.
FAQs
How long can I store rasgullas?
Rasgullas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Ensure that it is stored in an airtight container with some of the syrup.
Can I make rasgullas without using all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can make rasgulla without all-purpose flour, but the balls may not hold their shape as well.
Can I use cow's milk to make chhena?
Yes, you can use cow's milk to make chhena, but it may not yield as much chhena as buffalo milk.