Bengal's famous Ras Malai gets ranked among the World's best cheese desserts

Taste Atlas recently unveiled its Top 10 Best Cheese Desserts worldwide, placing Ras Malai at the esteemed number 2 spot. Poland’s Sernik clinched the top position, crafted from a unique curd cheese called twarog, along with eggs and sugar, often accompanied by fruits and jellies. Greece’s Sfakianopita secured the third position, featuring a pie dish filled with creamy local cheese, served with honey and cinnamon, prepared by enveloping the cheese filling in dough and frying until golden brown.

Originating from West Bengal, Ras Malai is a cherished dessert crafted from humble ingredients such as white cream, sugar, milk, and chenna—a type of paneer cheese imbued with a delicate cardamom flavor. Adorned with saffron, cashews, and almonds, this dessert embodies decadence without relying on a crunchy crust. Its name, derived from the Hindi words ‘ras’ meaning juice and 'malai’ meaning cream, eloquently captures its essence.

Preparing Ras Malai at home is surprisingly simple, requiring only a handful of basic ingredients and minimal effort. To start, gently knead paneer cheese until smooth, then divide it into small portions and shape them into flattened balls. While doing so, prepare a syrup by simmering milk with sugar, infusing it with saffron strands for a delightful aroma and color.

Once the syrup is ready, delicately drop the paneer balls into the simmering milk and let them cook until they double in size, becoming soft and spongy. Retrieve them from the milk and let them cool slightly before refrigerating to chill.

To serve, adorn the chilled Ras Malai with a dash of cardamom seeds or dried fruits to enhance its flavor and texture. This indulgent dessert is ideal for festive occasions such as Holi, Durga Puja, or Diwali, where its creamy texture and fragrant aroma add to the joy of celebrations. Although we Indians, don't need a particular occasion for a sweet treat, it's like our basic need.

In summary, Ras Malai is a delightful Indian dessert that enchants with its creamy texture, saffron-infused syrup, and tender cheese dumplings. With its uncomplicated preparation and irresistible taste, it's no surprise that this sweet delight holds a cherished spot in the hearts of dessert aficionados worldwide.