Introduction:
Chena Poda is a traditional and mouthwatering dessert
that hails from the state of Odisha in India. The name "Chena Poda"
translates to "burnt cheese" in the local language, which perfectly
describes the process and the key ingredient of this delectable sweet. Made
primarily from fresh chhena (cottage cheese) and infused with the richness of
ghee and the sweetness of jaggery, Chena Poda is a heavenly treat that is loved
by people of all ages. In this blog post, we will explore the delightful world
of Chena Poda, learn how to make it at home, and answer some frequently asked
questions to help you master this authentic Odia dessert.
Chena Poda Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups freshly prepared chhena (cottage cheese)
- 1 cup jaggery (grated)
- 1/4 cup semolina (sooji)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup ghee (clarified butter)
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
- A pinch of baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- Chopped nuts (cashews, almonds) for garnish
Instructions:
1.
Preheat
your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a round cake tin with ghee and keep it
aside.
2.
In a large
mixing bowl, crumble the freshly prepared chhena to remove any lumps.
3.
Add the
grated jaggery to the crumbled chhena and mix well until the jaggery blends
evenly with the chhena.
4.
Heat a pan
on medium heat and add the semolina. Dry roast the semolina until it turns
slightly golden and releases a nutty aroma.
5.
Add the
roasted semolina to the chhena-jaggery mixture and mix thoroughly.
6.
Heat the
milk and ghee in a small pan until the ghee melts. Add this mixture to the
chhena mixture and blend well.
7.
Add the
cardamom powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt to the mixture and mix
everything to form a smooth batter.
8.
Pour the
batter into the greased cake tin and spread it evenly.
9.
Garnish the
top with chopped nuts.
10.
Bake the
Chena Poda in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until the top turns
golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
11.
Once done,
remove it from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
12.
Cut the
Chena Poda into desired shapes and serve as a delightful sweet treat!
Chena Poda Recipe - FAQ's:
Q: Can I use store-bought paneer instead of freshly prepared chhena?
A: While store-bought paneer can be used as a substitute, the
authentic taste and texture of Chena Poda come from using freshly prepared
chhena.
Q: Can I adjust the sweetness of Chena Poda?
A: Yes, you
can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less jaggery according to your taste
preference.
Q: Is Chena Poda gluten-free?
A: Yes, Chena Poda is
gluten-free as it does not contain any wheat-based ingredients.
Q: Can I store Chena Poda?
A: Yes, you can store Chena
Poda in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
Refrigerate for longer shelf life.
Conclusion:
Chena Poda is a delightful dessert that represents the rich culinary heritage of Odisha. The combination of soft chhena, aromatic jaggery, and the goodness of ghee make it an irresistible treat for any sweet lover. Whether it's a festive occasion or a simple celebration of flavors, Chena Poda is sure to win hearts with its unique taste and simplicity. So, try this authentic recipe at home and savor the deliciousness of this traditional Odia sweet. Happy cooking and indulging in the divine flavors of Chena Poda!