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Malai: Frozen Desserts Inspired by South Asian Flavors

By Pooja Bavishi

Published 2025

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Made from sugarcane, this unrefined South Asian sugar has heavy notes of molasses, similar in flavor to brown sugar. It is traditionally sold in block form, and you must use a knife to shave off the amount needed for a recipe, though now it is also readily available in powdered form. It has a distinctive taste with deep caramel notes and an almost creamy consistency that sets it apart from other sugars. It’s a one-to-one replacement for brown sugar and adds a touch of earthiness to typical dishes.