A rare and traditional Lucknavi Rasawal, also known as Sugarcane Pudding, made with fresh ganna juice and rice. This slow-cooked Awadhi winter delicacy is naturally sweet, sattvic, and deeply nourishing.
πΎ What is Rasawal?
Rasawal is a treasured heritage dessert from Lucknow (Awadh), prepared exclusively in winter when fresh sugarcane juice is at its best. Unlike kheer, it traditionally contains no added sugar or milkβits gentle sweetness comes entirely from fresh sugarcane juice (ΰ€ΰ€¨ΰ₯ΰ€¨ΰ₯ ΰ€ΰ€Ύ ΰ€°ΰ€Έ), giving the dessert a delicate, caramel-like flavor.
Also known as Sugarcane Pudding, Rasawal is made by slow-cooking rice with sugarcane juice until it turns rich and creamy. Some households also add a small quantity of milk to enhance the creaminess, making the texture even more luxurious.
This satvik, naturally sweet, and deeply nourishing dessert holds a special place in Awadhi cuisine. Traditionally, Rasawal was prepared in royal kitchens and offered on auspicious occasions, symbolizing seasonal abundance, purity, and quiet indulgence.
π Ingredients
- Fresh sugarcane juice β 1 litre (same-day extracted)
- Rice β ΒΌ cup (soaked 2β3 hours & coarsely ground)
- Pure ghee β 2 tbsp
- Green cardamom powder β Β½ tsp
- Almonds & pistachios β 2 tbsp (finely sliced)
- Kewra water or rose water β Β½ tsp (optional)
π©βπ³ Method (Authentic Lucknavi Style)
- Heat the ghee in a heavy-bottom pan on a low flame.
- Add ground rice and slow-roast until aromatic (do not brown).
- Gradually pour in strained sugarcane juice, stirring continuously.
- Cook on very low heat, stirring often to prevent curdling.
- The mixture will thicken naturally in 30β40 minutes.
- Add cardamom, dry fruits, and kewra/rose water.
- Switch off when it reaches a soft pudding consistency.
π Serve warm or at room temperature. Do not refrigerate.
β οΈ Traditional Tips (Very Important)
- β Never cook on high flame
- β Do not refrigerate (ferments quickly)
- β Use fresh, same-day sugarcane juice only
- β Continuous stirring is key
πΏ Ayurvedic & Winter Healing Benefits
- Builds Ojas (vital energy)
- Lubricates joints (great for winter stiffness)
- Naturally cooling yet grounding
- Improves digestion when eaten warm
- Rich in minerals & natural iron
Best time to eat: Morning or early afternoon
π½ Taste & Texture
- Mildly sweet
- Creamy yet grainy
- Earthy caramel notes from sugarcane
- Extremely comforting
π§Ώ Cultural Note
Rasawal was often prepared during auspicious days and offered as prasad in Awadhi households, symbolizing prosperity and seasonal abundance.
β¨ A dessert that connects food, season, and soul.
