Chef Gaurav Raghuvanshi Shares Recipes For Janmashtami

Devotees are preparing to celebrate Janmashtami on August 26, 2024, with fervour and joy by decorating their homes, adorning the swing of Lord Krishna, and preparing sweet delicacies. Followers who treat him as a newborn and a teenager prepare sweets of his liking, usually including milk and milk-based products as star ingredients.

To make this Janmashtami a little different from the others, Slurrp connected with Chef Gaurav Raghuvanshi, Culinary Head at Anardana, to bring you recipes of sweets. These are a blend of popular Indian sweets layered with modern ingredients. 

Ghevar Cheesecake

If you are celebrating Lord Krishna’s birthday, why not prepare a cake for him with his favourite ingredients? Though he is offered sweets, modern times call for some tweaked recipes that can even leave God impressed. Describing the ghevar cheesecake, Chef Gaurav Raghuvanshi said, “A dessert that marries the rich heritage of Indian sweets with the creamy indulgence of a classic cheesecake.”

Ingredients For Ghevar Cheesecake

For Ghevar

  • 45 grams of desi ghee
  • 15 grams maida
  • 35 ml sugar syrup
  • 20 grams of ice cubes

For Cheesecake Layer

  • 70 grams of castor sugar
  • 75 grams mascarpone cheese
  • 45 grams butter
  • 3 grams of blueberry compote
  • 40 grams of whipped cream
  • 55 grams of biscuit crumbs

Method To Prepare Ghevar Cheesecake

  • Begin by mixing maida with desi ghee and ice cubes. The ice is crucial for keeping the ghee firm and allowing for a crumbly, yet smooth batter to form. The mixture should be blended until it reaches a smooth consistency.
  • Heat desi ghee in a deep pan, placing a round mould in the centre. Pour the ghevar batter into the mould in a circular motion to create the iconic web-like shape. Fry until the ghevar turns golden brown. 
  • Once done, soak it in sugar syrup for 2-3 minutes. This step ensures that the ghevar is sweetened evenly and remains moist.
  • Spread a generous layer of rich rabri over the ghevar. Next, add the mascarpone cheese and smooth it out evenly. 
  • Sprinkle castor sugar for a touch of sweetness and top it off with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of tangy blueberry compote. 
  • Finally, garnish with chopped almonds and pistachios for a satisfying crunch to every bite.
  • Keep the ghevar cheesecake in the refrigerator for the flavours to amplify. This will make it more indulgent.

Also Read: Dive Into Vibrant & Scrumptious Celebration Of Janmashtami In Braj Region

Hyderabadi Double Ka Mitha

A modern twist to the Hyderabadi sweet is all you need to make this Janmashtami special. Chef Gaurav Raghuvanshi said, “The sweet has a rich flavour which makes it a royal indulgence. It is made by blending the sweetness of sugar syrup-soaked bread with the creamy delight of rabri and ras malai. ”

Ingredients For Double Ka Mitha

  • 2 pieces of round bread
  • 2 pieces ras malai
  • 30 ml sugar syrup
  • 3 grams chopped pistachios
  • 50 grams rabri
  • 20 grams of desi ghee
  • 2-3 grams powdered sugar
  • 50 grams of whipped cream
  • 3 grams chopped almonds

Method To Prepare Double Ka Mitha

Prepare Bread

  • Start by cutting the bread into round shapes using a cutter.
  • Heat desi ghee in a deep pan and carefully deep-fry the bread slices until they turn golden brown.
  • Once fried, immediately soak the bread in sugar syrup for 3-5 minutes. This ensures the bread absorbs the syrup and becomes irresistibly sweet.

Assemble The Dessert

  • Remove the soaked bread from the syrup and place it on a serving plate.
  • Generously spread a layer of rabri on the pieces, creating a rich and creamy base.
  • Place a piece of ras malai on the rabri-covered bread slice.
  • Pipe a layer of whipped cream (or malai) on top of the ras malai for an added touch of creaminess.

For Garnish

  • Sprinkle chopped almonds and pistachios to add a delightful crunch and enhance the visual appeal of the dish.
  • Finally, dust a little sugar powder over the top to complete the presentation.