Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups of paneer (cottage cheese)
- 1 cup of powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup of pistachios, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp of cardamom powder
- 2 tbsp of milk
- 1 tbsp of ghee (clarified butter)
- Pistachios for garnish
Special equipment needed:
- Cheesecloth
- Food processor or blender
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a food processor or blender, blend the paneer until it becomes smooth.
2. In a pan, heat the ghee and add the paneer. Cook for 5-7 minutes on medium heat, stirring constantly.
3. Add the powdered sugar, cardamom powder, and chopped pistachios to the pan. Mix well and cook for another 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the milk to the pan and mix well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Remove the pan from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
6. Take a small amount of the mixture and shape it into a ball. Flatten it slightly and garnish with a pistachio.
7. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
8. Refrigerate the sandesh for at least an hour before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
Makes 12-15 sandesh
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 150
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 6g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Almonds or cashews can be used instead of pistachios.
- Ricotta cheese can be used instead of paneer.
Variations:
- Add saffron to the mixture for a unique flavor.
- Use rose water instead of milk for a floral taste.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the paneer is smooth before adding it to the pan.
- Stir the mixture constantly to prevent it from burning.
- Let the sandesh cool before shaping it into balls.
Storage instructions:
Store the sandesh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Serve the sandesh cold.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the sandesh on a platter and garnish with additional pistachios.
Garnishes:
Pistachios
Pairings:
Masala chai
Suggested side dishes:
None
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the mixture is too dry, add a little more milk.
- If the mixture is too wet, cook it for a few more minutes.
Food safety advice:
Make sure the paneer is fresh and has been stored properly.
Food history:
Sandesh is a popular Bengali sweet made from chenna (cottage cheese) and sugar.
Flavor profiles:
Sweet, nutty, and slightly spicy
Serving suggestions:
Serve the sandesh as a dessert after a meal.
Related Categories
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Region: Indian
Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Creamy, Rich, Fragrant, nutty, creamy, rich, delicate