The Cosmo Kitchen

Ras Bara 'Rasbara' or 'Rasbora' is a traditional dessert from the western region of Odisha and is savored during most festive occasions. Deep-fried balls of split yellow gram batter are dipped in sugar syrup and usually flavored with cardamom powder. It’s an uncomplicated recipe with few ingredients and very little effort. And yet it is delicious and one of my favorites’.   So, let's get started. Preparation time: 20 mins Cooking time: 30 mins Servings 6-8 persons Ingredients: 1 cup moong dal or split yellow gram (soaked in water for 5-6 hours) 1 cup sugar 1 ½ cups water A pinch of salt A pinch of baking soda ½ tsp cardamom powder Instructions: Heat water and sugar in a pot and prepare a thin syrup. Add cardamom powder and keep aside. Drain all the water from the soaked dal and transfer to a blender and blend into a smooth paste. Add 1 to 2 tbsp of water to adjust the consistency. Add a pinch of salt and baking soda and whisk it for about 15 mins in one

Mawa Gulab Jamun If a dessert was to be crowned as the king it certainly has to be the Gulab Jamun. This piece of heaven that simply melts in the mouth is almost every Indian Mithai lover’s favorite. I am generally good at everyday cooking but when it comes to making traditional Indian desserts, it just daunts me to no end. However, I am always keen on learning and mastering the art of making traditional sweets. Gulab Jamuns are my favorite, and I usually make them with the gulab jamun mixes available in stores. Although they too are tasty and melt in mouth but still nowhere close to the Mawa Gulab Jamuns. At my in-laws place, mawa gulab jamuns are a hit. And they are made in almost all special occasions. This recipe of mawa gulab jamun, I learned from my father in law who I would say is a pro in making them. During my recent visit to my in-law's place, I learned the process, which looked effortless and with very few ingredients. The only effort is kneading the dough with maw

Chhena Poda/ Baked Cottage cheese cake Chhena Poda is a traditional dessert from the state of Odisha. As the name suggests, chhena means cottage cheese and poda means roasted. It is made out of freshly prepared cottage cheese and baked to perfection with sugar, semolina cardamom powder. The flavor predominantly comes from the caramelization of sugar.  It is said to have originated from the Nayagarh town of Odisha. And over the years, it got slowly popular across the state. The simplicity and ease by which this recipe is made and yet has bountiful of flavors, makes this dessert so special and popular. Traditionally it is made on a layer of Sal leaves which gives the dessert a distinct flavor. However it can also be made without the leaves in a baking tin or pan. This   delectable dessert is loved by all and is usually prepared during festivals and auspicious occasions. It is also  Lord  Jagganath's favorite. Hence it is among the "Chappan Bhog" off