Chhena Poda is a classic dessert from Odisha, made by baking a mixture of fresh chhena (cottage cheese), sugar, & semolina with a touch of cardamom & dry fruits.
This simple yet delicious recipe captures the rich, caramelized flavours of baked cheese, perfect for any festive occasion or as a sweet treat.
Follow this step-by-step guide to create this delectable dessert right in your kitchen.
Ingredients: 2 liters milk, 3 tsp vinegar, juice from 2 lemons, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 tsp cardamom powder, 4 tbsp semolina/suji, 10-12 raisins, 1/4 cup chopped cashews, 2 tbsp ghee.
Boil 2 liters of milk, then turn off the flame. Add juice from 2 lemons or 3 tsp vinegar to curdle the milk.
Stir until water separates, then strain and mash the chhena until soft.
Mix in 4 tbsp suji, ½ cup sugar, and let it ferment for 15 minutes.
After fermenting, add 2 tsp ghee, chopped cashews, raisins, and cardamom powder.
Preheat ½ kg salt in a kadhai on high flame for 10 minutes.
Grease a container with ghee, add the chhena mixture, and spread it evenly.
Place the container in the kadhai, bake for 1 ½ hours on medium-low flame, then let it cool.
Flip the chhena poda out, and it's ready to serve.