Rabri

Rabri
Alternative names	Rabdi, Rabidi (in Odia)
Region or state	Indian subcontinent
Associated cuisine	India, Pakistan, Bangladesh
Main ingredients	Milk and Pearl Millet Flour
	Media: Rabri;

Rabri (IAST: Rabaḍī) (Hindi: रबड़ी) is a sweet, condensed-milk-based dish, originating from the Indian subcontinent, made by boiling milk on low heat for a long time until it becomes dense and changes its colour to off-white or pale yellow. Jaggery, spices, and nuts are added to it to give it flavor. It is chilled and served as dessert. Rabri is the main ingredient in several desserts, such as rasabali, chhena kheeri, and khira sagara.

A similar dish goes by the name Basundi.

History

Chandimangala mentions rabdi (thickened, sweetened milk), along with other sweets, in the early 1400s.^[1]

Rabri was banned in Kolkata 1965 during an economic recession for its excessive use of milk. It was overturned within the year by the Calcutta High Court due to lawsuits from independent sweet shops.^[2]^[3]^{[better source needed]}

According to some legends, Rabri was first offered to Lord Krishna at the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavana by a Rajasthani princess.^[4]

Creation

Rabri is made by heating sweetened milk in a large open vessel (kadhai). As the layer of cream begins to form on the surface of the milk, it is taken off and kept aside. The process continues until the milk is exhausted.

Varieties

There are various types of Rabri, each with distinct characteristics:

Plain Rabri

Plain Rabri is prepared by continuously simmering and stirring milk until it reduces and thickens. Sugar and cardamom are commonly added to enhance its flavor.^[5]

Lachha/Lachhedar Rabri

Lachha Rabri is characterized by layers of cream, known as lachhas, which form during the slow cooking process. These layers give it a distinctive texture.^[5]^[6]

Pista Rabri

Pista Rabri is characterized by the inclusion of pistachios, which lend a distinct flavor and a greenish tint to the dessert.^[7]^{[better source needed]}

Kesari Rabri

Kesari Rabri is flavored with saffron, giving it a golden hue and a rich, aromatic flavor^[5]

Malai Rabri

Malai Rabri is distinguished by the addition of extra malai (cream), resulting in a richer and more indulgent version compared to the traditional Rabri.^{[citation needed]}