Classic Rasgulla
These soft, spongy cheese dumplings are simmered in a light sugar syrup, offering a delicate and sweet dessert. This traditional Indian sweet is perfect for special occasions or as a satisfying treat.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 2 hr 55 min
- Serves
- 6
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Per serving
- 304 kcal
Allergen information: may contain milk. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
chhena
- 1 lwhole milk
- 2 tbsplemon juice
syrup
- 1.5 cupsugar
- 4 cupwater
- 3 pcscardamom pod, lightly crushed(optional)
- 0.5 tsprose water(optional)
Equipment
wide plate · colander · large bowl · heavy-bottomed pot · cheesecloth
The method
Step by step
- 1
Heat the whole milk in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until it comes to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
About 10 min
- 2
Once the milk boils, reduce the heat to low and gradually add the lemon juice, stirring gently until the milk curdles completely.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: If the milk doesn't curdle, add a little more lemon juice.
- 3
Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the curds to separate from the whey.
About 5 min
- 4
Line a colander with a clean cheesecloth or muslin cloth and place it over a large bowl.
About 1 min
- 5
Carefully pour the curdled milk into the cheesecloth to drain the whey.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: You can reserve the whey for other uses, like kneading dough or making soup.
- 6
Gather the edges of the cheesecloth and rinse the chhena (fresh cheese) under cold running water for a minute to remove any lingering lemon flavor.
About 1 min
- 7
Squeeze out all excess water from the chhena by twisting the cheesecloth tightly.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: The chhena should be moist but not wet; it should not crumble easily.
- 8
Transfer the chhena to a clean, wide plate or a large bowl.
- 9
Knead the chhena with the heel of your palm for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and free of any graininess.
About 10 min
Cook’s note: This step is crucial for soft rasgullas. The chhena should feel like a smooth dough.
- 10
Divide the kneaded chhena into 12-15 equal portions and roll them gently between your palms to form smooth, crack-free balls.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Ensure there are no cracks, as they can cause the rasgullas to break during cooking.
- 11
In a large, wide pot, combine the sugar and water for the syrup.
About 1 min
- 12
Bring the sugar syrup to a rolling boil over high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
About 5 min
- 13
If using, add the crushed cardamom pods to the boiling syrup.
- 14
Carefully drop the prepared chhena balls into the vigorously boiling sugar syrup, ensuring there is enough space for them to expand.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Do not overcrowd the pot; cook in batches if necessary.
- 15
Cover the pot tightly and cook on high heat for 15 minutes.
About 15 min
Cook’s note: Do not lift the lid during this time, as the steam helps the rasgullas cook and become spongy.
- 16
After 15 minutes, remove the pot from the heat and gently add the rose water, if using.
- 17
Let the rasgullas cool completely in the syrup, uncovered, for at least 2 hours.
About 2 hr
Cook’s note: Chilling them further enhances their flavor and texture.
- 18
Serve chilled.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 304.3kcal
- Protein
- 5.4g
- Carbs
- 58.5g
- Fat
- 5.5g
- Fibre
- 0.2g
- Sugar
- 58g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store rasgullas submerged in their syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Best served chilled, no reheating required.