Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 liter full-fat milk
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup cashew nuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup raisins
- Oil for deep frying
Special equipment needed:
- Cheesecloth
- Deep-fry thermometer
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat the milk over medium heat until it comes to a boil.
2. Add lemon juice and stir gently. The milk will curdle and separate into curds and whey.
3. Line a colander with cheesecloth and pour the curdled milk into it. Rinse the curds under cold water to remove any lemon flavor.
4. Squeeze out the excess water from the cheesecloth and hang it for 30 minutes to drain any remaining water.
5. Transfer the chhena to a large mixing bowl and knead it for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and pliable.
6. Divide the chhena into small portions and shape them into oval or cylindrical shapes.
7. In a deep pan, heat oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chhena jhili and fry them until they turn golden brown.
8. In a separate pan, combine sugar and water and bring it to a boil. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
9. Add the cashew nuts and raisins to the sugar syrup and cook for 2-3 minutes.
10. Remove the chhena jhili from the oil and add them to the sugar syrup. Let them soak in the syrup for 10-15 minutes.
11. Serve the chhena jhili with cashew nuts and raisins warm or at room temperature.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
Oil temperature for deep frying: 350°F
Sugar syrup temperature: 220°F
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 450
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 70g
Protein: 8g
Sodium: 50mg
Sugar: 60g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use vinegar or citric acid instead of lemon juice to curdle the milk.
- You can use any nuts or dried fruits of your choice instead of cashew nuts and raisins.
Variations:
- You can add cardamom powder or rose water to the sugar syrup for added flavor.
- You can also add saffron strands to the sugar syrup for a more aromatic and flavorful dessert.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to knead the chhena well to remove any lumps and make it smooth.
- Fry the chhena jhili on medium heat to ensure they cook evenly and don't burn.
- Soak the chhena jhili in the sugar syrup for at least 10-15 minutes to ensure they absorb the syrup and become soft and sweet.
Storage instructions:
You can store the chhena jhili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the chhena jhili, microwave them for 20-30 seconds or steam them for 5-10 minutes until warm.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the chhena jhili with cashew nuts and raisins on a platter or in individual bowls. You can garnish them with chopped nuts or dried fruits for added texture and flavor.
Garnishes:
Chopped nuts, dried fruits, saffron strands, or edible silver leaf.
Pairings:
Chhena jhili with cashew nuts and raisins goes well with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
This dessert is usually served as a standalone dish and doesn't require any side dishes.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the chhena jhili breaks while frying, it means the chhena is not kneaded properly or the oil is too hot. Knead the chhena again and reduce the heat of the oil.
- If the sugar syrup crystallizes, it means the sugar is not dissolved properly. Add more water and heat the syrup again until the sugar dissolves completely.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to use fresh milk and clean utensils while making the chhena jhili. Also, make sure the oil is hot enough to prevent any bacterial growth.
Food history:
Chhena jhili is a popular dessert in the eastern part of India, especially in the state of Odisha. It is made from chhena, which is a type of cheese made from curdled milk. The cheese is kneaded and shaped into small portions, which are then deep-fried and soaked in sugar syrup.
Flavor profiles:
Chhena jhili with cashew nuts and raisins is a sweet and rich dessert with a soft and spongy texture. The cashew nuts and raisins add a crunchy and chewy texture to the dessert.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the chhena jhili with cashew nuts and raisins as a dessert after a meal or as a sweet snack. It is also a popular dessert during festivals and celebrations.
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Region: Indian