Rasabali Recipe the Delicious Food of Odisha

Rasabali is a traditional sweet dish from the Indian state of Odisha particularly popular in the city of Puri. It is a variation of Rasagola, where the cottage cheese (chhena) balls are flattened and fried until golden brown before being soaked in thickened milk and flavored with cardamom.

Here’s a recipe to make Rasabali:

Ingredients For Rasabali Recipe:

For the cheese patties (Chhena):

• 1-liter full-fat milk
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar

For the sweetened milk:

• 1 liter of full-fat milk
• 1 cup sugar
• A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
• 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
• A few crushed nuts (almonds or pistachios) for garnishing

Rasabali Preparation:

1. Making the cheese (Chhena) patties:
   • Heat the milk in a heavy-bottomed pan and bring it to a boil.
   • Once the milk starts boiling, add lemon juice or vinegar gradually while stirring continuously.
   • The acid in the lemon juice/vinegar will cause the milk to curdle and form cheese solids (chhena).
   • Turn off the heat and let it sit for a few minutes.
   • Place a cheesecloth or muslin cloth over a strainer and strain the curdled milk to separate the cheese solids from the whey.
   • Rinse the cheese under cold water to remove any lemon juice/vinegar taste.
   • Gather the cloth and squeeze out excess water from the cheese.
   • Hang the cheesecloth for about 30 minutes to drain any remaining water from the cheese.
   • After the draining process, take out the cheese from the cloth and knead it gently until it becomes smooth and creamy.
   • Divide the cheese into small equal-sized portions and shape them into flattened patties.
2. Frying the cheese patties:
   • Heat ghee or oil in a deep pan or kadai.
   • Gently place the cheese patties in the hot ghee or oil and fry them until they turn golden brown on both sides.
   • Remove the fried patties from the pan and drain the excess oil on a paper towel.
3. Making the sweetened milk:
   • Heat the milk in a heavy-bottomed pan and bring it to a boil.
   • Reduce the heat to medium and simmer the milk, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and reduces to around 3/4th of its original volume.
   • Add sugar, saffron strands (if using), and cardamom powder to the thickened milk. Stir well to dissolve the sugar and mix the flavors. Simmer for a few more minutes.
   • Turn off the heat and let the sweetened milk cool down to room temperature.
4. Soaking the cheese patties in sweetened milk:
   • Gently place the fried cheese patties in the cooled sweetened milk.
   • Allow the patties to soak in the milk for at least 2-3 hours, or refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavors.
5. Serving Rasabali:
   • Garnish the Rasabali with crushed nuts (almonds or pistachios) before serving.
   • It can be served at room temperature or chilled as per preference.

Nutritional Value Of Rasabali:

Rasabali is a rich and indulgent dessert, it is not particularly known for its. However, here are some nutrients that can be found in its ingredients:

1. Cottage Cheese (Chhena): Chhena is the primary ingredient in Rasabali, made from curdled milk. Cottage cheese is a good source of protein, calcium, and phosphorus. It also contains vitamins like vitamin B12 and vitamin D.
2. Milk: The thickened milk used in Rasabali provides a significant amount of calcium, protein, and vitamins like vitamin D and vitamin B12. It also contains carbohydrates and fats.
3. Sugar: Sugar is used to sweeten Rasabali. While it provides calories for energy, it is important to consume it in moderation as excessive sugar intake may have adverse effects on health.
4. Cardamom: Cardamom is a spice used to flavor Rasabali. It contains essential oils and compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It also adds a pleasant aroma to the dish.

It’s worth noting that Rasabali is generally considered a dessert or a special treat, and its consumption should be balanced with a healthy and varied diet.

Rasabali Recipe Video