In a recent Instagram Live session, Kajol revealed that one of her gi-to healing foods is malai, rice and salt. “One of my favourite, comfort food is malai, rice, and salt. Yes, an unusual combination. It is my go-to when I am not feeling well,” said Kajol. Though unusual, this combination is consumed across several pockets in India in different ways.
Malai is quite similar to clotted cream, a popular English delicacy. Malai is made by heating whole milk and allowing it to cool slowly. During the cooling process, the cream rises to the surface and forms a thick layer. This layer of cream is then skimmed off and collected to create malai.
Malai has a high-fat content, typically around 55-60%, making it extremely rich and indulgent. Malai is often used as a key ingredient in various Indian dishes, both savoury and sweet. It is used to enrich curries, gravies, and desserts, adding a creaminess and depth of flavour.
In Indian households, malai is also commonly collected from boiled milk and stored separately for various culinary purposes. It is sometimes served as a topping for desserts or mixed with sugar and flavoured with cardamom to make a sweet spread. Additionally, malai is used to make delicacies like lassi, malai kulfi, malai peda, etc. Here are some malai combinations you can easily explore at home
Malai Kulfi
You can easily make kulfi creamier and smoother with maali, especially if you enjoy denser kulfis. Malai kulfi is made by simmering milk until thickened, then sweetening it with sugar and flavoring it with cardamom, saffron, or pistachios. Fresh malai is added to the mixture to enhance its richness and creaminess. The mixture is then poured into molds and frozen until set, resulting in an indulgent dessert that is perfect for hot summer days.
Malai Prawn Curry
The most popular rendition of this is the Bnegali-style ‘malaikari’, which also uses coconut. But you can try a simpler prawn or shrimp curry at home with malai, like it’s made in coastal cities across the Southern parts of the country.Succulent prawns are cooked in a creamy coconut milk-based gravy that is flavoured with ginger, garlic, onions, and a blend of spices. Fresh malai is added to the gravy to give it a rich and luxurious texture. The dish is typically garnished with fresh cilantro and served with rice or bread for a satisfying meal.
Malai Ghevar
Ghevar is a traditional Rajasthani sweet that is often prepared during festivals and special occasions. It is made by frying a batter of flour, ghee, and water to create a lacy, honeycomb-like texture. Malai ghevar is made by soaking the fried ghevar in sweetened malai syrup, which infuses the dessert with richness and flavour. The ghevar is then garnished with nuts, saffron strands, and edible silver foil for an opulent finish.
Malai Lassi
If you want a fancier and more indulgent lassi, try this! Malai lassi is made by blending fresh yoghurt with malai, sugar, and a splash of rosewater or cardamom for flavour. The addition of malai gives the lassi a creamy and indulgent texture, making it a refreshing and satisfying drink that is perfect for cooling off on a hot day.
Malai Chicken
Malai chicken is a creamy and flavorful Indian chicken dish that features tender chicken pieces marinated in a rich and aromatic mixture of yogurt, cream, spices, and fresh herbs. The addition of malai to the marinade adds richness and succulence to the chicken, creating a dish that is both comforting and satisfying. Malai chicken is typically served with rice or naan bread