⚪ Rasgulla
Also known as: rosogolla, rasagola
Balls of chhena cooked in a light sugar syrup. West Bengal and Odisha dispute its origin; both have a geographical indication (2017 and 2019).
Rasgulla is a sweet from the east of the Indian subcontinent: balls of chhena cooked in a light sugar syrup until the syrup soaks right through them. Fresh chhena is kneaded thoroughly into a smooth dough (sometimes with a little semolina), rolled into balls and boiled in syrup; they swell and become spongy and springy. They are served chilled or at room temperature, together with the syrup.
The name means “juice ball” (from “ras”, juice, and “gulla”, ball). Its origin is disputed between West Bengal and Odisha: in Odisha it is traditionally offered at the Jagannath Temple in Puri. In 2017 West Bengal received a geographical indication for “Banglar rosogolla”, and in 2019 Odisha received one for “Odisha rasagola”; both versions are recognised as separate products.
Rasgulla differs from gulab jamun in that it is not fried and is made from chhena rather than khoa, so it is pale and spongy. Related sweets are ras malai (rasgulla in thickened milk) and sandesh.
How it connects to milk
⚪ Rasgulla → made from → 🥛 Cow's milk → type of → 🥛 Milk
Links
- Made from
- 🥛 Cow's milk, 🧀 Chhena
- How it is made
- 🔄 Curdling, ♨️ Boiling
- Where it is traditional
- 🌍 South Asia
- Which peoples make it
- 🧑🤝🧑 Bengalis, 🧑🤝🧑 Odia
- Product type
- 🏺 Traditional dairy products
- Part of
- 🍦 Dairy desserts
Frequently asked questions
What is rasgulla made of?
Chhena — a fresh acid-set curd cheese; the balls are cooked in a light sugar syrup.
Where was rasgulla invented?
West Bengal and Odisha both claim it; each has received a geographical indication for its own version (2017 and 2019).
What is the difference between rasgulla and gulab jamun?
Rasgulla is made from chhena and cooked in syrup, while gulab jamun is made from khoa and fried before being soaked in syrup.
Similar
🧀 Chhena · 🍨 Kulfi · 🍮 Shrikhand · 🥣 Dahi · 🍮 Double skin milk · 🧀 Curd snack
ℹ️ Dairy products contain lactose and milk proteins: if you are lactose intolerant or allergic to milk protein, ask a doctor.