A city-based caterer has come up with a unique product during the Covid-19 pandemic to lure customers and also boost sales. Infused with the flavor of fruits, vegetables and spices too, the humble rasgulla has been transformed into an immunity boosting delicacy.
Just like the ones made from milk not only satiate the taste buds but are healthy too, those made from seasonal fruits and vegetables are said to enhance one’s immunity against the virus. Being a diabetic himself, the owner Kamal Aggarwal, owner of Kamal Caterer, first thought of introducing a specialty for people suffering from the same.
“Since I have a sweet tooth, I would always find it difficult to resist a rasgulla. It was then that my wife, Babita Aggarwal suggested that we try making something which even diabetics can eat. It was then that I first made a rasgulla with green chillies and karela (bitter gourd) in the beginning of August. These are not bitter to taste but have a flavour of the main ingredient. Since the outbreak of the virus, I thought of experimenting further and making rasgullas with natural ingredients that could help in enhancing the immune system,” said Aggarwal who is also the President of Jharkhand Caterer Association.
The immunity boosting specialties include rasgullas made from turmeric, amla (Indian gooseberry), chyawanprash, coriander and lemon. Guava, kiwi, pineapple and blueberry are some of the fruity flavours available.
The fruits and vegetable flavoured rasgullas are made using the pulp of the same which is mixed with chhena while the sweet balls are later dipped in a sugar syrup- chashni which too is infused with the flavor of the particular ingredient.
“Once the trials at home were successful, I decided to send some samples to family and friends for feedback. I was told that the children were very attracted to the pink coloured rasgullas made from strawberries. Beetroot is another variety which is much appreciated. To ensure that it is absolutely healthy, no artificial colours and flovurs are used,” added Aggarwal who also represents Jharkhand at the Federation All India Caterers (FAIC).
The flavoured rasgullas are priced at Rs 20 per piece and are only made on order basis. Aggarwal also plans to introduce this product at weddings and parties and put up rasgulla counters under the banner Rasgulla King. “I now plan to make this popular delicacy infused with flowers like rose, bailey, marigold and ranjigandha to begin with,” added Aggarwal.