Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups of fresh paneer (cottage cheese)
- 1 cup of powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup of cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup of milk
- 1/4 tsp of cardamom powder
- 1/4 tsp of vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup of chopped nuts (optional)
Special equipment needed:
- Cheesecloth
- Mixing bowl
- Plate or tray
- Heavy-bottomed pan
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, crumble the paneer until it is smooth and lump-free.
2. Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, cardamom powder, and vanilla extract to the paneer mixture. Mix well.
3. Heat a heavy-bottomed pan on low heat and add the paneer mixture to it.
4. Cook the mixture on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring continuously.
5. Add milk to the mixture and cook for another 5 minutes.
6. Remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool down.
7. Once the mixture is cool, take a small portion of it and shape it into a ball or any desired shape.
8. Place the shaped sandesh on a plate or tray lined with cheesecloth.
9. Repeat the process with the remaining mixture.
10. Garnish the sandesh with chopped nuts (optional).
11. Refrigerate the sandesh for at least an hour before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Temperature:
Low heat
Serving size:
Makes 12-15 pieces
Nutritional information:
Calories: 120 per piece
Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Powdered sugar can be substituted with jaggery powder or honey.
- Cocoa powder can be substituted with melted dark chocolate.
Variations:
- Add saffron strands to the mixture for a unique flavor.
- Replace cocoa powder with strawberry powder for a fruity twist.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to crumble the paneer well to avoid any lumps in the mixture.
- Cook the mixture on low heat to avoid burning.
- Add milk gradually to the mixture to avoid making it too runny.
Storage instructions:
Store the sandesh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Serve the sandesh chilled.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the sandesh on a platter and garnish with chopped nuts and saffron strands.
Garnishes:
Chopped nuts, saffron strands, and edible silver foil.
Pairings:
Serve the chocolate sandesh with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
Fresh fruit salad or a bowl of yogurt.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the mixture is too dry, add more milk to it.
- If the mixture is too runny, add more paneer to it.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to use fresh paneer and store the sandesh in the refrigerator.
Food history:
Sandesh is a popular Bengali sweet made with paneer and sugar. It originated in West Bengal, India, and is often served during festivals and special occasions.
Flavor profiles:
Sweet, chocolatey, and slightly nutty.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the chocolate sandesh as a dessert after a meal.
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Region: Indian