Given Names: Rasgulla, Rasagola
chhena*, maida*, sugar syrup, (lemon juice)
Background: Apparently, rasgulla is one of the oldest Indian desserts, arguably created in either Odisha or West Bengal (two present-day Indian states). According to legend, it was frequently used as an offering to Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity.
Verdict: Rasgulla is one of the more approachable Indian sweets. Although it is soaked in sugar, I feel that the lemon juice and maida helped reduce the sugar’s potency. Sometimes cardamom and/or rose water are added, as well as pistachios, though the latter serves more as a garnish. Still, upon looking at that giant bowl of sugar syrup, how could you not want to go bobbing for rasgulla?
*chhena (Hindi)= a curd cheese made from water buffalo milk
maida= refined and bleached wheat flour, common in Indian breads and desserts
mithai= sweets/confectionery
Finding Food Fluency 