RAS MALAI ICE CREAM THE ROYAL FUSION DESSERT

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RAS MALAI ICE CREAM THE ROYAL FUSION DESSERT

Introduction:**

Ras Malai Ice Cream is a fusion dessert that combines the rich legacy of Indian sweets with the creamy indulgence of ice cream. It’s soft, luscious, mildly sweet, and delicately flavored—an instant hit among both kids and adults. The pink and yellow tones often reflect rose and saffron flavors, making it visually appealing and aromatic.

Ingredients:**

For Ras Malai Base:

  • 1 liter full-fat milk
  • 4 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar (for curdling)
  • Ice cubes
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 4 cups water
  • 2-3 cardamom pods (crushed)
  • Few saffron strands (optional)
  • 1 tsp rose water (optional)

For Ice Cream:

  • 500 ml heavy cream (whipping cream)
  • 200 ml condensed milk
  • 1 tsp cardamom powder
  • 1 tbsp rose syrup (for pink flavor)
  • A few saffron strands soaked in warm milk (for yellow flavor)
  • Crushed pistachios or almonds for garnish (optional)

History of Ras Malai:**

Ras Malai, originally from the eastern Indian subcontinent, particularly Bengal and Odisha, is traditionally made with chenna (Indian cottage cheese) balls soaked in thickened milk. The word “Ras” means juice and “Malai” means cream. Over time, it inspired variations, including this creamy frozen version which merges Indian heritage with modern dessert trends.

Formation/Preparation Process:**

Step 1: Prepare Chenna (Paneer)

  1. Boil 1 liter of full-fat milk. Once boiling, add lemon juice to curdle the milk.
  2. Strain using a muslin cloth. Wash with cold water to remove acidic taste.
  3. Squeeze out excess water and hang for 30 minutes to get soft chenna.

Step 2: Make Ras (Sugar Syrup)

  1. Boil 1 cup sugar with 4 cups water and crushed cardamom.
  2. Make small flat balls from chenna and boil them in the sugar syrup for 10–15 minutes.
  3. Remove and let them cool.

Step 3: Prepare Ice Cream Base

  1. Whip heavy cream till soft peaks form.
  2. Fold in condensed milk and cardamom powder.
  3. Divide into two parts: to one, add saffron milk (yellow); to the other, add rose syrup (pink).

Step 4: Combine

  1. Gently fold prepared Ras Malai balls into each batch of ice cream.
  2. Pour into containers, cover, and freeze for 6–8 hours.

Health Benefits:**

  • Milk provides calcium and protein.
  • Saffron has antioxidant properties and is good for skin.
  • Rose is cooling and may aid digestion.
  • Almonds/Pistachios add vitamin E and healthy fats.

Note: It is an indulgent dessert, best enjoyed in moderation due to sugar and fat content.

Nutrition (per serving approx.):**

NutrientAmount
Calories220-280 kcal
Protein6 g
Fat15 g
Carbohydrates20 g
Sugar18 g
Calcium15% DV

Why People Love It:**

Lovers of Ras Malai Ice Cream include:

  • Traditional dessert lovers who enjoy nostalgia with a modern twist.
  • Kids who love creamy, colorful frozen treats.
  • Foodies who enjoy fusion and Indian-inspired flavors.
  • Festival celebrants, especially during Diwali, Holi, and weddings.

“Ras Malai Ice Cream brings memories of both grandma’s kitchen and the joy of modern dessert parlors.”

Methods Recap:**

  • Make chenna → shape and boil → prepare ice cream base → flavor and fold → freeze.

Conclusion:**

Ras Malai Ice Cream is the perfect marriage of heritage and indulgence. It is visually stunning, decadently creamy, and loaded with cultural flavor. It’s a celebration in a bowl—redefining what Indian desserts can be in the 21st century.

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