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Chhena Poda is a popular dessert hailing from the state of Odisha in India. The name “Chhena Poda” translates to “roasted cheese” in Odia, which perfectly describes its unique preparation method. It is made primarily from fresh cottage cheese (chhena), sugar, and flavored with cardamom. The process involves curdling milk, straining it to obtain chhena, mashing it with sugar and cardamom, and then baking it to perfection.
The highlight of Chhena-Poda lies in its texture and taste. The outer layer of the dessert develops a caramelized crust during baking, giving it a delightful brown color and a slightly smoky flavor. Inside, the chhena remains soft and moist, infused with the aromatic sweetness of sugar and cardamom. It is often garnished with chopped nuts like cashews, almonds, or pistachios, adding a crunchy element to each bite.
Chhena Poda is enjoyed as a dessert on various occasions, festivals, and celebrations. Its rich, creamy taste and unique texture make it a favorite among sweet enthusiasts. Whether served warm or chilled, this delectable treat offers a delightful experience that combines the indulgence of cheese with the comforting sweetness of traditional Indian desserts.
Ingredients Of Chhena Poda:
- 1 liter of milk
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachios)
- Ghee (clarified butter) for greasing the pan
Step By Step Instructions Of Chhena Poda Recipe:
Step 1: Preparing the Chhena (Cottage Cheese)
- Heat the milk in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat.
- Once the milk comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and add lemon juice.
- Stir gently until the milk curdles and separates into curds (chhena) and whey (a thin, greenish liquid).
- Turn off the heat and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Place a muslin cloth or cheesecloth over a colander or strainer and pour the curdled milk into it.
- Rinse the chhena under cold water to remove the lemon flavor.
Step 2: Draining and Pressing the Chhena
- Gather the ends of the muslin cloth and squeeze gently to remove excess whey.
- Hang the muslin cloth with the chhena for about 30 minutes to drain any remaining whey.
- After 30 minutes, remove the chhena from the cloth and transfer it to a mixing bowl.
Step 3: Making the Chhena Poda Batter
- Add sugar to the chhena and mash it well with your hands until the sugar is fully incorporated.
- Keep mashing and kneading the chhena for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes smooth and pliable.
- Add cardamom powder and chopped nuts to the chhena mixture and mix well.
Step 4: Shaping and Preparing for Baking
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a round baking pan with ghee.
- Take a handful of the chhena mixture and shape it into a round ball.
- Place the chhena ball in the greased baking pan and press it gently to flatten it.
- Repeat this process with the remaining chhena mixture until the pan is filled with flattened chhena balls.
Step 5: Baking the Chhena Poda
- Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes or until the top turns golden brown.
- Keep an eye on the chhena-poda as baking time may vary depending on your oven.
- Once the top is nicely browned, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
Step 6: Serving the Chhena Poda
- Using a knife, gently loosen the edges of the chhena-poda from the pan.
- Place a plate on top of the pan and carefully invert it to release the chhena-poda onto the plate.
- Allow the Chhena Poda to cool completely before serving.
- Cut it into desired shapes, garnish with more chopped nuts if desired, and serve.
Chhena Poda is a delightful dessert with a caramelized crust and a soft, sweet center. It can be enjoyed warm or chilled and is often served as a dessert during festivals or special occasions. Now that you know the step-by-step process, you can easily prepare this delicious treat at home and savor the flavors of Odisha. Enjoy!
