Rasgulla is a famous and delightful Indian sweet that originates from the state of West Bengal. It is a soft and spongy dessert made from fresh chhena (Indian cottage cheese) soaked in light, flavoured sugar syrup. Rasgulla recipe involves a few cooking processes, which you should follow step-by-step; therefore, we shall get into it soon.
Rasgullas are widely enjoyed across India and integral to many festive celebrations and special occasions. The result is a delectable sweet with a melt-in-the-mouth texture and a subtle blend of flavours.
Rasgullas are known for their simplicity and purity of ingredients, making them a favourite among those with a sweet tooth. The sweet has gained popularity in India and worldwide, where Indian cuisine is appreciated. We often serve it chilled, making it an indulgent treat, especially during festive seasons like Durga Puja, Diwali, and other celebrations. Let’s get deep into the Rasgulla recipe so you can make it at home for your loved ones.
Rasgulla Recipe: The Ingredients!
The ingredients for Rasgullas:
- 1 litre full-fat cow milk
- 2 tbsp. white vinegar or lemon juice
- 1/4 cup of maida (all-purpose flour)
- 1/4 cup of sooji (Semolina)
- 1/4 tsp. baking soda
- Few ice cubes
The ingredients for Sugar Syrup:
- 2 cups of sugar
- 4 cups of water
- 1/2 tsp. cardamom powder (optional)
- 1 tsp. rose water (optional)
Rasgulla Recipe: The Instructions in Detail!
How to Prepare Chhena (Indian Cottage Cheese)?
- Boil the milk in a heavy-bottomed pan so the bottom milk doesn’t burn.
- Once the milk boils, add white vinegar or lemon juice to curdle the milk.
- Stir until the milk solids separate from the whey.
- Strain the chhena using a muslin cloth and rinse it under cold water to remove the sourness caused by the vinegar or lemon.
- Hang the cottage cheese in the muslin cloth for 30 minutes to drain excess water.
- Now it’s time to knead the Chhena, so you must transfer it on a tidy surface.
- Knead it well until it becomes smooth; remember, leave no lumps behind. (Kneading usually takes around 10-15 minutes.)
- Add maida, sooji, and baking soda to the smooth Chhena and knead until smooth and well combined.
How to Shape the Rasgullas?
Shaping the balls in the Rasgulla recipe is crucial, as you don’t want them to separate when you add them to the sugar syrup. Here are the steps to make these Chhena balls like a pro:
- Divide the dough into small, equal-sized portions.
- Shape each portion into smooth, small balls.
- Ensure that you roll them until there are no cracks on their surface.
Rasgulla Recipe: How to Make the Sugar Syrup?
Moving forward in the Rasgulla recipe is making its sugar syrup and then adding the Paneer balls into them, so let’s know how to do it:
- Combine the measured water and sugar in a wide, deep pan. Remember, you are going to insert the Chhena balls in them.
- Bring the sugar-water mix to a boil while continuously stirring until it dissolves the sugar.
- Add cardamom powder and rose water (this is entirely optional).
- Simmer the sugar syrup for around 5 minutes and leave it in the same pan.
Rasgullas: The Final Making!
- Gently slide the Rasgulla balls one by one into the simmering sugar syrup.
- Use a lid to cover the pan and cook them on low-medium heat for around 15 to 20 minutes.
- After 15 to 20 minutes, check whether the Rasgullas have doubled their size and become spongy.
- Drop a Rasgulla into a water bowl to check if they are 100% cooked as needed. If the ball sinks to the bottom, it’s done; if it floats, you must cook it for a few more minutes.
- Once the Rasgullas are fully cooked, let them cool in the sugar syrup.
- Refrigerate the entire Rasgullas and sugar syrup bowl for a few hours before serving for best results.
Relish the Divine Sweetness of Homemade Rasgullas!
Indulge in the heavenly delight of homemade Rasgullas! The soft and spongy texture, soaked in aromatic sugar syrup, makes them an irresistible treat. Once cooled, refrigerate them for a few hours to enhance their flavours. Serve chilled for a refreshing experience during festivals, celebrations, or simply as a sweet escape. Isn’t this Rasgulla recipe simple and easy to follow? Get ready to savour the essence of this and more classic Indian desserts that promise to add sweetness to every moment.
