Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups of fresh paneer (cottage cheese)
- 1/2 cup of powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup of milk
- 1/4 teaspoon of saffron strands
- 1/4 teaspoon of cardamom powder
- 1 tablespoon of chopped pistachios
Special Equipment Needed:
- Cheesecloth or muslin cloth
- Heavy-bottomed pan
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Take the paneer in a bowl and knead it well until it becomes smooth.
2. In a heavy-bottomed pan, add the milk and saffron strands. Heat the milk on low flame until the saffron releases its color and aroma.
3. Add the powdered sugar to the paneer and mix well.
4. Add the saffron milk and cardamom powder to the paneer mixture and knead it well until it becomes smooth and fluffy.
5. Take a small portion of the mixture and shape it into a ball. Flatten it slightly and make a small indentation in the center.
6. Garnish the sandesh with chopped pistachios.
7. Repeat the process with the remaining mixture.
8. Refrigerate the sandesh for at least an hour before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
- Low flame
Serving size:
- 10-12 pieces
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Fat: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Protein: 5 g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Powdered sugar can be substituted with jaggery powder or honey.
- Chopped pistachios can be substituted with almonds or cashews.
Variations:
- Rose Sandesh: Add rose water and pink food color to the mixture instead of saffron.
- Chocolate Sandesh: Add cocoa powder to the mixture and shape it into small balls.
Tips and Tricks:
- Use fresh paneer for best results.
- Knead the paneer well to make it smooth and fluffy.
- Add the saffron milk slowly to avoid making the mixture too wet.
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:
- Serve the sandesh on a plate garnished with rose petals or saffron strands.
Garnishes:
- Chopped pistachios, almonds, or cashews
- Rose petals
- Saffron strands
Pairings:
- Masala chai
- Mango lassi
Suggested Side Dishes:
- None
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the mixture is too wet, add more powdered sugar to make it dry.
Food Safety Advice:
- Use fresh and clean ingredients.
- Wash your hands before preparing the recipe.
Food History:
- Sandesh is a popular Bengali sweet made from paneer.
Flavor Profiles:
- Sweet, saffron, cardamom
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the sandesh chilled as a dessert.
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Region: Indian