Sandesh Recipe | Just In 6 Easy Steps.

Sandesh is a popular Indian sweet that originates from the state of West Bengal, particularly associated with Bengali cuisine. It is made primarily from fresh paneer (cottage cheese) and sugar, infused with aromatic flavors such as cardamom and saffron. The word “sandesh” itself means “message” in Bengali, indicating the sweet and delightful nature of this dessert.

To prepare Sandesh, fresh paneer is cooked on low heat until it thickens and forms a dough-like consistency. Sugar is added to sweeten the mixture, and additional flavors like cardamom powder or saffron strands are incorporated to enhance its taste. The mixture is then shaped into small, bite-sized pieces and garnished with chopped nuts or decorative elements like saffron or silver vark.

Sandesh is known for its delicate texture and rich, creamy flavor. It has a melt-in-your-mouth consistency that is both smooth and slightly grainy due to the presence of paneer. This sweet is often enjoyed during festive occasions, celebrations, and as a traditional dessert. It is cherished for its simplicity, elegance, and the use of minimal ingredients that highlight the natural flavors of the paneer.

Sandes offers a delightful balance of sweetness and a hint of fragrance from the spices used. It is a beloved dessert not only in West Bengal but also across India, often finding a place in sweet shops and households as a treasured treat.

Ingredients Of Sandesh Sweets:

• 2 cups fresh paneer (cottage cheese)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• A few strands of saffron (optional)
• Chopped nuts for garnishing (pistachios, almonds)

Step By Step Instructions Of Sandesh Sweets:

Step 1: Prepare the Paneer

Start by making fresh paneer at home. Boil 1 liter of milk in a heavy-bottomed pan. Once it starts boiling, add 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar. Stir gently until the milk curdles and the whey separates. Strain the mixture through a muslin cloth, collecting the paneer. Rinse it with cold water to remove any sourness from the lemon juice or vinegar. Squeeze out excess water from the paneer and hang it for 30 minutes to remove additional moisture. After that, crumble the paneer with your hands until it becomes smooth and free from lumps.

Step 2: Preparing the Sandesh Mixture

Transfer the crumbled paneer to a non-stick pan or a heavy-bottomed pan. Place it on low heat and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent it from sticking to the pan. This process removes any remaining moisture from the paneer and helps in binding the mixture. Make sure not to overcook it.

Step 3: Adding Sugar and Flavorings

Once the paneer is cooked, add the powdered sugar to it. Mix well until the sugar dissolves completely. Add cardamom powder and saffron strands (if using) to enhance the flavor. Keep stirring the mixture continuously on low heat for another 5-7 minutes until it thickens and starts leaving the sides of the pan. The consistency should be like a soft dough.

Step 4: Shaping the Sandesh

Remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool down slightly. Grease your palms with a little ghee or oil to prevent sticking. Take a small portion of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form a smooth ball. Flatten the ball slightly and shape it into a disc or any desired shape. Repeat the process with the remaining mixture.

Step 5: Garnishing and Serving

Place the shaped sandesh on a serving plate or a tray. Garnish each piece with chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds. You can also press a small piece of saffron or a silver vark (edible silver foil) on top for decoration. Refrigerate the sandesh for at least 1 hour to let it set and firm up.

Step 6: Serving and Storing

Once the sandesh is chilled and firm, it is ready to be served. Enjoy this delectable Bengali sweet as a dessert or during festive occasions. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

That’s it! Follow these steps to make delicious Sandesh at home. Enjoy the sweet, creamy, and melt-in-your-mouth goodness of this traditional Bengali delicacy.