Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 liter milk
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped dates
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachios)
- 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
Special equipment needed:
- Cheesecloth
- Mixing bowl
- Blender or food processor
- 8-inch cake pan
- Oven
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a large pot, heat the milk until it comes to a boil.
3. Add the lemon juice and stir until the milk curdles.
4. Strain the curdled milk through a cheesecloth and let it hang for 30 minutes to drain the excess water.
5. In a mixing bowl, add the chhena (curdled milk) and sugar. Mix well.
6. Add the chopped dates, nuts, cardamom powder, and baking powder. Mix well.
7. Blend the mixture in a blender or food processor until it becomes smooth.
8. Grease an 8-inch cake pan with butter.
9. Pour the mixture into the cake pan and spread it evenly.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the top turns golden brown.
11. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes.
12. Run a knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the chhena poda.
13. Invert the cake pan onto a plate to remove the chhena poda.
14. Cut into desired slices and serve.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45-50 minutes
Temperature:
Oven temperature: 350°F
Serving size:
8-10 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 220
Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 8g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Dates can be substituted with raisins or figs.
- Nuts can be substituted with any other nuts of your choice.
Variations:
- Add saffron strands to the mixture for a richer flavor.
- Add grated coconut to the mixture for a different texture.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to drain the excess water from the chhena before mixing it with the other ingredients.
- Use a blender or food processor to make the mixture smooth.
- Grease the cake pan well to avoid sticking.
Storage instructions:
Store the chhena poda in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the chhena poda in the microwave for 30 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the chhena poda on a plate with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped nuts or fresh fruit.
Pairings:
Pair with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a scoop of ice cream.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the chhena poda is not cooked through, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- If the chhena poda is too dry, add a little bit of milk to the mixture.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to use fresh ingredients and store the chhena poda properly in the refrigerator.
Food history:
Chhena poda is a traditional dessert from the state of Odisha in India. It is made with chhena (curdled milk), sugar, and other ingredients, and baked until golden brown.
Flavor profiles:
The chhena poda has a sweet and nutty flavor with a hint of cardamom.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the chhena poda as a dessert after a meal or as a snack with tea or coffee.
Related Categories
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Region: Indian
Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Caramelized, Rich, Creamy