Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 liter full-fat milk
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Special equipment needed:
- Pressure cooker
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or blender
- 8-inch cake pan
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat the milk and bring it to a boil. Add lemon juice and stir until the milk curdles.
2. Strain the curdled milk through a cheesecloth or a muslin cloth. Rinse the chhena (cottage cheese) under cold water to remove any sourness.
3. Transfer the chhena to a mixing bowl and knead it with your hands or a hand mixer until it becomes smooth and soft.
4. In a separate pan, heat sugar and water on medium heat until the sugar dissolves and caramelizes to a golden brown color.
5. Pour the caramel into the cake pan and swirl it around to coat the bottom and sides of the pan.
6. Add cardamom powder and ghee to the chhena and mix well.
7. Pour the chhena mixture into the cake pan and spread it evenly.
8. Sprinkle chopped nuts on top (optional).
9. Cover the cake pan with parchment paper and secure it with a rubber band.
10. Add 1 cup of water to the pressure cooker and place a trivet inside. Place the cake pan on top of the trivet.
11. Close the pressure cooker and cook on high heat for 20 minutes. Then, reduce the heat to low and cook for another 10 minutes.
12. Turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally.
13. Open the pressure cooker and remove the cake pan. Let it cool for 10-15 minutes.
14. Run a knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the chhena poda.
15. Invert the chhena poda onto a plate and remove the parchment paper.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
Cooking temperature: High heat for 20 minutes, then low heat for 10 minutes
Serving size:
Makes 8-10 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 200
Total fat: 8g
Saturated fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 100mg
Total carbohydrates: 28g
Dietary fiber: 0g
Sugar: 28g
Protein: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Lemon juice can be substituted with vinegar or citric acid.
- Ghee can be substituted with unsalted butter or vegetable oil.
- Chopped nuts can be substituted with raisins or dried fruits.
Variations:
- Add saffron strands to the chhena mixture for a fragrant flavor.
- Replace cardamom powder with cinnamon powder for a different flavor profile.
- Use jaggery instead of sugar for a healthier option.
Tips and tricks:
- Use full-fat milk for a richer and creamier texture.
- Knead the chhena until it becomes smooth and soft to avoid lumps in the final product.
- Make sure the caramel is golden brown and not burnt, as it can affect the taste of the chhena poda.
- Use a pressure cooker for even cooking and a moist texture.
Storage instructions:
Store the chhena poda in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating instructions:
Microwave the chhena poda for 30-40 seconds or until warm.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the chhena poda on a plate with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped nuts, fresh fruits, or edible flowers.
Pairings:
Serve with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a side of fresh fruits or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the chhena poda is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk to the chhena mixture before cooking.
- If the chhena poda is too moist, cook for an additional 5-10 minutes in the pressure cooker.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to use fresh and clean ingredients. Wash your hands and utensils before cooking.
Food history:
Chhena poda is a popular dessert from the state of Odisha in India. It is made with chhena, sugar, and cardamom powder, and is traditionally cooked in a clay oven.
Flavor profiles:
Caramel Chhena Poda has a sweet and caramelized flavor with a hint of cardamom.
Serving suggestions:
Serve as a dessert after a meal or as a sweet treat with tea or coffee.
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Region: Indian
Taste: Sweet, Creamy, Caramelized, Nutty