Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups of chhena (cottage cheese)
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1/4 cup of water
- 1/4 cup of chopped pistachios
- 1 tablespoon of rose water
- Oil, for frying
Special equipment needed:
- Deep frying pan
- Cheesecloth
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, knead the chhena and flour until it forms a smooth dough.
2. Divide the dough into small equal portions and shape them into rectangular or diamond shapes.
3. Heat the oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
4. Fry the chhena gaja until they turn golden brown. Remove them from the oil and drain on a paper towel.
5. In a separate saucepan, combine the sugar and water and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the sugar dissolves and forms a thick syrup.
7. Add the rose water to the syrup and mix well.
8. Dip the fried chhena gaja into the syrup, coating them well.
9. Sprinkle the chopped pistachios over the chhena gaja.
10. Let the chhena gaja cool and serve.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat for frying
Serving size:
Makes 12-15 pieces
Nutritional information:
Calories: 200
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of chhena, you can use ricotta cheese.
- Almonds or cashews can be used instead of pistachios.
- Vanilla extract can be used instead of rose water.
Variations:
- Add cardamom powder to the sugar syrup for a different flavor.
- Add saffron strands to the sugar syrup for a vibrant color and flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the chhena and flour are kneaded well to form a smooth dough.
- Fry the chhena gaja on medium heat to ensure they cook evenly.
- Dip the chhena gaja in the sugar syrup while they are still warm to ensure they absorb the syrup well.
Storage instructions:
Store the chhena gaja in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the chhena gaja in the microwave or oven for a few seconds before serving.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the chhena gaja on a platter and sprinkle some rose petals over them.
Garnishes:
Chopped pistachios or rose petals can be used as a garnish.
Pairings:
Chhena gaja can be served with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
Chhena gaja can be served as a dessert on its own.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the chhena gaja dough is too dry, add a little water to it.
- If the sugar syrup is too thick, add a little water to it.
Food safety advice:
Make sure the oil is heated to the correct temperature before frying the chhena gaja.
Food history:
Chhena gaja is a popular dessert from the state of Odisha in India.
Flavor profiles:
Chhena gaja has a sweet and nutty flavor with a hint of rose water.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the chhena gaja as a dessert after a meal.
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Region: Indian