Ras malai
Ras malai, rasamalai, or roshmalai is a dessert originating from the eastern regions of the Indian subcontinent, more specifically from Cumilla of Bengal (Present day Bangladesh). The dessert is called roshmalai/rosmalai in Bengali,[1] ras malai in Hindi,[2] and rasa malei in Odia.[3] It is popular in India, Bangladesh and Pakistan.[4]
| Alternative names | Rossomalai, Roshmolai, Rasamalei |
|---|---|
| Course | Dessert |
| Place of origin | Indian subcontinent |
| Region or state | Bengal |
| Associated cuisine | India, Bangladesh Pakistan |
| Serving temperature | Cold |
| Main ingredients | Chhena, malai, sugar |
| Variations | Kolkata's roshomalai, Comilla's rosho malai |
| Similar dishes | Rasgulla, Pashka |
| |
The origin of the sweet is impossible to verify but there are several underlying stories. The Sen brothers of Comilla operating under the Matri Bhandar brand claim to be the original maker of the dessert.On the other hand, K.C. Das Grandsons also claims that it was invented by K.C. Das in Kolkata.[5][6] Bangladesh has begun the process of registering geographical indication status for Comillar rasmalai.[7][8]
Origin and etymology
It is believed to have originated somewhere in Eastern Indian subcontinent, specifically in the Bengal region.[9]
According to The Diner's Dictionary: Word Origins of Food and Drink published by Oxford University Press "The term comes from Hindi raś 'juice', and malai 'cream'.[2]
Ingredients
Ras malai consists of flattened balls of chhena soaked in malai (clotted cream) flavoured with cardamom. Milk is boiled and a bit of vinegar or lime juice is added to split it. The whey is discarded and the milk solids are drained, cooled and kneaded into a dough. The dough is divided into small balls and the balls are cooked in hot water with a bit of rose water added. The balls are then cooked in milk with saffron, pistachios and kheer as stuffing.[10]
Variations
Different types of ras malai can be found in different areas such Rasmanjuri of Rangpur. In Dhaka and Rangpur, the rasmalais are similar in shape to the rasgullas[11],and round discs.
See also
References
- ^ "Ras malai | Traditional Cheese Dessert From West Bengal | TasteAtlas". www.tasteatlas.com. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
- ^ a b Ayto, John (2012). The Diner's Dictionary: Word Origins of Food and Drink. OUP Oxford. p. 301. ISBN 978-0-19-964024-9. Retrieved 22 April 2020.
- ^ "Odia Treat for Amit Shah & Other Dignitaries at Naveen Niwas |". 28 February 2020.
- ^ Shavelson, Paul (2015). Flat Food, Flat Stomach: The Law of Subtraction. Post Hill Press. ISBN 978-1-61868-932-0. Retrieved 22 April 2020.
- ^ "Matri Bhander's roshomalai under siege from copycats". Dhaka Tribune. 6 November 2017. Retrieved 29 September 2020.
- ^ Michael Krondl (2011). Sweet Invention: A History of Dessert. Chicago Review Press. pp. 71–72. ISBN 978-1-55652-954-2.
- ^ Bashar, Rezaul (15 February 2017). "Bangladesh moves to get GI registration for Comilla delicacy Rasmalai, textile Khadi". BD News 24.
- ^ Islam, Md. Jahedul (September 2019). "Protection of Geographical Indications in Bangladesh". SCLS Law Review. 2 (3): 14–19. ISSN 2523-9236.
- ^ "Ras Malai - A Milk based Dessert of India". 25 June 2012.
- ^ "Rasmalai is simply the dessert to beat". Gulf Times. 19 October 2017. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
- ^ Mahmud Nasir Jahangiri (2012). "Sweetmeats". In Sirajul Islam and Ahmed A. Jamal (ed.). Banglapedia: National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh (Second ed.). Asiatic Society of Bangladesh.