Malai (Hindi: मलाई), is a type of clotted cream, originating from the Indian subcontinent, used in the cuisine of the Indian subcontinent, especially, in regards to sweets from the Indian subcontinent.[1][2] It is made by heating non-homogenized whole milk to about 80 °C (180 °F) for about one hour and then cooling it. A thick yellowish layer of fat and coagulated proteins forms on the surface, which is skimmed off.[3]

Malai has about 55% butterfat. Buffalo milk is thought to produce better malai because of its high fat content. Buffalo milk with fat contents varying from 5 to 12% is boiled and then cooled down to 4 °C (39 °F) for best results. Similarly, cow's milk with milk fat from 3 to 5% is boiled and cooled to make malai.

Uses edit

 
Ras malai, balls of chhena (paneer) soaked in malai

Malai is a major ingredient in malai kofta dumplings and in sweet dishes like malai pedha, ras malai and malai kulfi.[4] Fried koftas are made with potatoes and paneer.[5] The flavour becomes even richer when vegetables are added to it. An example of this would be methi matar malai where the main constituent is green peas.[4]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ Tamime, Adnan Y. (2009). Dairy Fats and Related Products. John Wiley & Sons. p. 128. ISBN 9781444316230. Retrieved 6 November 2019.
  2. ^ Gupta, Niru (2001). Cooking The U.P. Way. Orient Blackswan. p. xii. ISBN 9788125015581. Retrieved 6 November 2019.
  3. ^ Gupta, Mamta. "Butter Making at Home". Retrieved 16 May 2012.
  4. ^ a b "Cream Glossary - Recipes with Cream - Tarladalal.com". www.tarladalal.com.
  5. ^ "malai kofta recipe, how to make malai kofta recipe - malai kofta curry recipe". 4 May 2013.