Malai is a rich and creamy ingredient that is commonly used in Indian desserts. It is made by boiling milk until the cream rises to the top and then scraping it off. Malai adds a luscious texture and taste to sweet dishes, making them more indulgent and flavorful. Here are 6 easy malai sweet dishes that you can prepare at home and impress your guests with:
Malai KulfiMalai Kulfi is a popular Indian frozen dessert that is creamy, rich, and flavored with cardamom, saffron, and nuts. It is a perfect dessert for any occasion, especially during the hot summer months. Here is a simple recipe to make delicious Malai Kulfi at home.
Ingredients 2 cups full-fat milk
1/2 cup condensed milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 tsp cardamom powder
1/4 tsp saffron threads
2 tbsp chopped almonds and pistachios
Method- In a thick-bottomed pan, heat the full-fat milk on medium heat and bring it to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer the milk for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reduces to 1 cup. Make sure to scrape the sides of the pan to avoid any milk solids sticking to it.
- Add condensed milk, heavy cream, sugar, cardamom powder, and saffron threads to the pan and mix well. Cook for another 10-15 minutes until the mixture thickens, stirring continuously.
- Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool down to room temperature.
- Once cooled, pour the mixture into Kulfi molds or any airtight container and freeze for at least 5-6 hours or overnight.
- Once the Kulfi is set, run the mold under warm water for a few seconds to loosen it up.
- Garnish with chopped almonds and pistachios, and serve chilled.
Malai LadooMalai Ladoo is a popular Indian sweet made from milk cream and sugar. It is a rich and delicious dessert that is often served on special occasions such as festivals and weddings. Making Malai Ladoo is relatively easy and requires only a few ingredients. Here is a recipe to make Malai Ladoo at home:
Ingredients 2 cups of milk cream (malai)
1 cup of powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon of cardamom powder
1 tablespoon of chopped pistachios
Method- Take a large bowl and add 2 cups of milk cream (malai) to it.
- Add 1 cup of powdered sugar to the bowl and mix well.
- Put the mixture on a low flame and stir continuously for about 10-15 minutes until the mixture thickens and starts to come together.
- Once the mixture thickens, remove it from the flame and let it cool down.
- Add 1/4 teaspoon of cardamom powder to the mixture and mix well.
- Grease your palms with a little ghee or butter and make small balls from the mixture.
- Garnish the Ladoos with chopped pistachios.
- Allow the Ladoos to cool and serve.
Malai SandeshMalai Sandesh is a popular sweet dish that originates from the Indian state of West Bengal. It is made using chenna (cottage cheese), condensed milk, and cardamom powder. Malai Sandesh has a creamy and crumbly texture and is often garnished with nuts or saffron strands. It is a delicious dessert that can be enjoyed on its own or as a part of a larger meal. Here is a recipe to make Malai Sandesh at home:
Ingredients 2 liters of full-fat milk
1 cup of sugar
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
1/4 cup of condensed milk
1/4 teaspoon of cardamom powder
Nuts for garnishing (optional)
Method- Heat the milk in a heavy-bottomed pan and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add lemon juice to curdle the milk.
- Stir gently until the milk has curdled completely and the whey has separated from the chenna.
- Turn off the heat and let the chenna sit for 5 minutes.
- Line a strainer with a cheesecloth and strain the chenna to remove the whey. Rinse the chenna under cold water to remove any traces of lemon juice.
- Place the chenna in a large mixing bowl and knead it well with your hands until it is smooth and has no lumps.
- Heat a non-stick pan on medium heat and add the sugar. Stir constantly until the sugar has melted and turns golden brown.
- Add the chenna to the pan and stir continuously for 10-12 minutes until the mixture thickens and starts to leave the sides of the pan.
- Add the condensed milk and cardamom powder and stir well.
- Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool down slightly.
- Divide the mixture into small portions and shape them into balls or any desired shape.
- Garnish the Malai Sandesh with nuts or saffron strands.
- Chill the Malai Sandesh in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before serving.
Malai PedaMalai Peda is a traditional Indian sweet that is loved by people of all ages. It is made by reducing milk to a thick consistency and then mixing it with sugar, cardamom powder, and ghee. Malai peda has a soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture and a rich, creamy flavor that makes it an ideal dessert for any occasion. Here is a simple recipe for making malai peda:
Ingredients 1 liter full-fat milk
1 cup sugar
1/4 tsp cardamom powder
2 tbsp ghee
Saffron strands (optional)
Method- Heat the milk in a heavy-bottomed pan on medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Let the milk come to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Keep stirring occasionally and let the milk simmer until it thickens and reduces to 1/4th of its original volume.
- Add sugar and cardamom powder to the pan and mix well. Cook for another 5-10 minutes until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add ghee and mix well. Cook for another 5-10 minutes until the mixture thickens and starts to leave the sides of the pan.
- Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool down for a few minutes.
- Grease your palms with ghee and take small portions of the mixture and shape them into round pedas.
- Place the pedas on a plate and let them cool down completely.
- You can garnish the pedas with saffron strands or chopped nuts if you like.
Malai RabriMalai Rabri is a popular Indian dessert made by thickening milk and adding sugar and spices. It's a creamy and rich dessert that's perfect for any occasion. Here's a simple recipe to make Malai Rabri at home:
Ingredients 2 liters full-fat milk
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
1 tablespoon chopped almonds
1 tablespoon chopped pistachios
1 tablespoon chopped cashews
Method- Pour the milk into a heavy-bottomed pan and bring it to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the milk simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. The milk will start to thicken and reduce in volume.
- Add the sugar and cardamom powder to the milk and continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes.
- Crush the saffron threads and add them to the milk.
- Turn off the heat and let the Rabri cool to room temperature.
- Once cooled, transfer the Rabri to a serving dish and garnish with chopped nuts.
- Chill the Rabri in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours before serving.
Malai Barfi Malai Barfi is a delicious and popular Indian sweet that is perfect for any special occasion or festival. It is a rich and creamy dessert that is made with milk, sugar, and ghee. Malai Barfi has a smooth and velvety texture that simply melts in your mouth, leaving behind a sweet and creamy aftertaste. Here is a simple recipe for Malai Barfi that you can try at home:
Ingredients 1 litre full-fat milk
1 cup sugar
2 tbsp ghee
1 tsp cardamom powder
A pinch of saffron
Chopped nuts for garnishing
Method - Heat a heavy-bottomed pan on medium flame and add the milk to it.
- Bring the milk to a boil and then reduce the flame to low.
- Cook the milk on low flame for about 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and reduces to about one-third of its original quantity.
- Add sugar and ghee to the pan and mix well. Keep stirring until the mixture starts to leave the sides of the pan.
- Add the cardamom powder and saffron to the mixture and stir well.
- Pour the mixture onto a greased plate and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts on top and let it cool for about an hour.
- Cut the mixture into desired shapes and serve.