Rasbari

Rasbari Recipe - Delicious Tibetan Dessert with Ricotta Cheese and Saffron

Region / culture: Tibet | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Rasbari is a traditional Indian dessert made with cheese balls soaked in a sweet, creamy syrup. This delectable treat is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth after a delicious meal.

History

Rasbari has been a popular dessert in India for centuries, with its origins dating back to ancient times. It is often served at special occasions and festivals, symbolizing sweetness and prosperity.

Ingredients

4 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups cream cheese
1 can sweetened condensed milk
2 cups sugar
0.5 cup sifted flour
6 cups half-and-half milk
1 tsp ground cardamom
1.5 tbsp rose water
1 tsp saffron
0.5 cup thinly sliced almonds

How to prepare

In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cream cheese, flour, condensed milk, and 1 cup of sugar.
Mix thoroughly until the mixture becomes smooth and stiff.
Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and arrange them in a well-buttered baking pan.
Bake in the oven for 15–20 minutes at 325°F, or until the cheese balls are lightly browned.
Transfer the cooked cheese balls to a container.
In a saucepan, pour milk and add cardamom and saffron.
Allow the mixture to simmer slowly, stirring constantly, until the milk thickens into a syrupy consistency.
Remove from heat.
Pour the cream syrup over the baked cheese balls.
Add rose water and almond slivers.
Refrigerate overnight.
Serve the cheese balls with chilled cream syrup.

Variations

You can add pistachios or cashews to the cream syrup for added flavor and texture.
For a twist, try adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cheese mixture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to mix the cheese mixture thoroughly to ensure a smooth and stiff consistency.

- Be careful not to overbake the cheese balls, as they should be lightly browned.

- Allow the milk syrup to simmer slowly to achieve the perfect syrupy consistency.

- Refrigerate the rasbari overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Rasbari is best served chilled, garnished with additional almond slivers and a sprinkle of saffron.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the cheese balls ensures a light and fluffy texture.

- Simmering the milk slowly allows it to thicken into a rich syrup.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use paneer instead of ricotta cheese for a more traditional flavor.

- Honey can be used as a substitute for sugar in the cream syrup.

Make Ahead Tips

Rasbari can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve rasbari in individual bowls garnished with a sprinkle of rose petals for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Rasbari pairs well with a hot cup of chai tea or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover rasbari in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of rasbari contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of rasbari contains approximately 30g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of rasbari contains approximately 15g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of rasbari contains approximately 10g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Rasbari is a good source of calcium and vitamin A.

Alergens

Rasbari contains dairy and nuts.

Summary

Rasbari is a rich and indulgent dessert that is high in calories and fats, but also provides essential nutrients like calcium and protein.

Summary

Rasbari is a decadent and flavorful dessert that is sure to impress your guests. With its creamy cheese balls and sweet syrup, this dish is a true delight for the senses.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Rasbari. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Mrs. Patel. She had invited me over for chai and a chat, and as soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the most enticing aroma. Mrs. Patel was busy at the stove, stirring a pot of simmering milk, and I couldn't help but ask her what she was making.

She smiled warmly at me and explained that she was making Rasbari, a traditional Indian sweet that was typically served during special occasions and festivals. She offered to teach me the recipe, and I eagerly accepted her invitation. As we worked side by side in her cozy kitchen, she shared with me the secrets of making the perfect Rasbari.

First, Mrs. Patel explained that Rasbari was made with milk, sugar, and a touch of saffron for flavor and color. She showed me how to simmer the milk slowly, allowing it to reduce and thicken until it reached a rich, creamy consistency. She also taught me how to knead the milk solids into a smooth dough, which would then be shaped into small balls and cooked in a sugar syrup until they were soft and sweet.

As we worked, Mrs. Patel shared with me the story of how she had learned to make Rasbari from her own grandmother, who had passed down the recipe through generations. She spoke fondly of her childhood days spent in the kitchen with her grandmother, learning the art of Indian cooking and baking.

Listening to Mrs. Patel's stories, I couldn't help but think of my own grandmother, who had also been a talented cook and baker. She had taught me so much about the joys of cooking, and I felt a pang of nostalgia as I remembered the delicious meals she had prepared for our family over the years.

As we finished making the Rasbari, Mrs. Patel handed me a plate of the golden-colored sweet treats, garnished with slivered almonds and pistachios. I took a bite and was immediately transported back to my childhood, when my grandmother would make similar sweets for us on special occasions.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I thought of my grandmother, who had passed away many years ago. But in that moment, I felt her presence with me in Mrs. Patel's kitchen, guiding me through the process of making Rasbari and filling my heart with warmth and love.

Since that day, Rasbari has become a staple in my own kitchen, a reminder of the love and memories that I carry with me from my grandmother and Mrs. Patel. I make it often for my family and friends, sharing not just a sweet treat but a piece of my heritage and the stories of those who have inspired me along the way.

And as I sit down to enjoy a plate of Rasbari with a cup of chai, I am filled with gratitude for the moments and memories that have shaped me into the cook and storyteller that I am today.