Lightened Ras Malai Bliss
Indulge in this guilt-free version of the classic Indian dessert, Ras Malai. Adapted from the DesiCookbook, this recipe offers all the rich flavors of the traditional dish while drastically reducing calories and fat content. With velvety non-fat powdered milk dumplings soaked in a mildly sweetened low-fat milk syrup, this delightful treat proves that you don't need to compromise on taste for the sake of health. Perfect for gatherings or a light dessert after dinner, this dish is sure to impress without the heavy calories.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
non-fat powdered milk
1 cup (dry)
egg whites
2 (beaten)
oil
1 teaspoon (neutral cooking oil)
baking powder
1 teaspoon (dry)
low-fat milk
1 liter (liquid)
sugar
6 tablespoons (granulated)
green cardamom pods
1 (seeds crushed)
chopped pistachios
1 tablespoon (for garnishing)
kewra essence
1/2 teaspoon (liquid)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the non-fat powdered milk, egg whites, oil, and baking powder. Knead until you form a smooth dough.
2
Wet your hands to prevent sticking and shape the dough into small, oval, slightly flattened balls, keeping in mind that they will expand during cooking.
3
In a large saucepan, bring the low-fat milk to a gentle boil and stir in the sugar and cardamom seeds, allowing the flavors to meld for a few minutes.
4
Once the milk mixture is boiling, carefully add the prepared milk powder balls. Allow them to cook for 10 minutes; during this time, they will swell up beautifully.
5
Reduce the heat and let them simmer gently to ensure they absorb the flavorful milk.
6
Before removing from heat, add the kewra essence for a fragrant finish.
7
Transfer the Ras Malai to a serving dish, garnish with chopped pistachios, and allow to cool.
8
Chill in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving for a refreshing dessert experience.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lightened Ras Malai Bliss?
It is a guilt-free, low-fat version of the classic Indian dessert Ras Malai, made with non-fat milk powder and egg whites.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients required, including non-fat powdered milk, egg whites, oil, and low-fat milk.
Is this recipe low in fat?
Yes, it is specifically designed to reduce fat content by using non-fat milk powder, egg whites, and low-fat milk.
What is the main ingredient for the dumplings?
The dumplings are primarily made from non-fat powdered milk mixed with egg whites.
How long do the milk powder balls need to cook?
The balls should be cooked in the boiling milk mixture for 10 minutes, during which they will swell in size.
What type of oil should be used in the dough?
The recipe calls for one teaspoon of a neutral cooking oil.
Why do I need to wet my hands when shaping the dough?
Wetting your hands helps prevent the dough from sticking to your skin while you shape it into ovals.
What should I use to garnish the Ras Malai?
The dessert is garnished with one tablespoon of chopped pistachios.
Should this dessert be served warm or cold?
It is best served chilled after being refrigerated for a few hours.
What provides the fragrance in this recipe?
The fragrance comes from a combination of green cardamom seeds and kewra essence.
How much sugar is in this recipe?
The recipe uses 6 tablespoons of granulated sugar for the milk syrup.
What is the role of baking powder in the recipe?
Baking powder helps the milk powder dumplings expand and become light and airy during cooking.
Can I use whole eggs instead of egg whites?
This specific 'lightened' version uses egg whites to reduce cholesterol and fat compared to traditional recipes.
What is the first step in making the dumplings?
The first step is to combine non-fat powdered milk, egg whites, oil, and baking powder in a bowl and knead into a smooth dough.
What happens to the dumplings when they are added to the boiling milk?
They will expand and swell up beautifully as they cook for 10 minutes.
What is kewra essence?
Kewra essence is a floral extract used in Indian sweets to provide a distinct and pleasant aroma.
How much low-fat milk is needed for the syrup?
You will need 1 liter of low-fat milk to create the soaking syrup.
How do I prepare the cardamom for the milk?
You should use one green cardamom pod and crush the seeds before adding them to the milk.
What texture should the dough have?
The dough should be kneaded until it is smooth before shaping into balls.
Is this recipe suitable for large gatherings?
Yes, it is described as a perfect dish for gatherings or as a light dessert after dinner.
What shape should the milk balls be?
They should be shaped into small, oval, and slightly flattened balls.
How much kewra essence is used?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of kewra essence, added just before removing from heat.
Does the recipe use full-fat dairy?
No, it uses non-fat powdered milk and low-fat liquid milk to keep the calorie count lower.
What is the cooking method for the milk syrup?
The milk is brought to a gentle boil with sugar and cardamom, then reduced to a simmer after the balls are added.
How many egg whites are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 beaten egg whites.
Is this a traditional Indian dessert?
Yes, it is a healthy adaptation of the traditional Ras Malai, a popular Indian sweet.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, since it needs several hours of chilling, it is a great make-ahead dessert.
What is the preparation for the powdered milk?
The powdered milk should be dry when initially mixed with the other dough ingredients.
Is there any fiber in this dessert?
According to the recipe data, the fiber content is negligible (null).
Why is this recipe called 'guilt-free'?
It is called guilt-free because it offers traditional flavors while drastically reducing calories and fat compared to the original version.