Chhena Poda Recipe | How to Make Chhena Poda

Chhena Poda Recipe: Chhena Poda, a beloved dessert from Odisha, is a rich, caramelized paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cake that’s adored for its unique flavor and texture. Made with simple ingredients like fresh paneer, sugar, ghee, and a touch of cardamom, this sweet treat has a delightful crust from caramelized sugar and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth interior. Traditionally baked over a small earthen stove called a chulha, Chhena Poda is now commonly baked in ovens, making it easy to recreate at home.

What is Chhena Poda?

Chhena Poda literally means “roasted cheese” in Odia, and that’s exactly what it is! This dessert is made by kneading paneer with sugar and cardamom, then baking it until the edges turn golden and the sugar caramelizes, creating a delicious crust. Chhena Poda is a popular offering to Lord Jagannath, especially during festivals like Durga Puja and Diwali, and is often made as part of the traditional chappan bhog (56 offerings).

A Brief History

The origin of Chhena Poda is traced back to the 20th century in Dasapalla, Odisha, where it was created by accident. Sudarshan Sahu, the man behind this iconic dessert, left sweetened chenna in a warm stove, which transformed it into a caramelized, delicious sweet that quickly gained popularity. Today, Chhena Poda remains one of Odisha’s most celebrated desserts. Chhena Poda Recipe

Ingredients: Chhena Poda Recipe

• 250 grams fresh paneer (chenna)
• ½ cup sugar (or substitute with ½ cup jaggery powder)
• ½ teaspoon cardamom powder
• ½ tablespoon rice flour (or use fine semolina/rava)
• Chopped cashews and raisins (optional)
• 1-2 teaspoons ghee for greasing

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chhena Poda Recipe

Preparation

1. Prepare the Pan: Line a baking pan with banana leaves greased with ghee. If you don’t have banana leaves, you can use butter paper or simply grease the pan with ghee. Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) for 15 minutes. Chhena Poda Recipe

Making the Chhena Poda Mixture

1. Crumble the Paneer: Take 250 grams of fresh paneer and crumble it thoroughly in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add Sugar and Knead: Add ½ cup sugar (or jaggery powder) to the crumbled paneer and mix well. Knead the mixture like you would for a dough until it’s smooth and resembles a batter-like consistency. If the mixture feels dry, add a few tablespoons of milk or water.
3. Add Flavorings: Mix in ½ teaspoon of cardamom powder and ½ tablespoon of rice flour to help bind the mixture. You can also add chopped cashews, almonds, or raisins if you like.

Baking

1. Pour and Bake: Pour the mixture into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake at 180°C for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the top is dark golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
2. Cool and Serve: Let the Chhena Poda cool completely before slicing and serving. It can be enjoyed as a dessert or snack, and it keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

Tips for Perfect Chhena Poda Recipe

• Consistency Matters: Knead the paneer mixture until it’s soft and smooth, like a cake batter. If it’s too dry, add a splash of milk or water.
• Banana Leaves or Grease: Banana leaves add an earthy flavor but are optional. You can also use butter paper or simply grease the pan with ghee.
• Alternative Sweeteners: Substitute sugar with jaggery powder for a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
• Variations: Add fine semolina (sooji) instead of rice flour if you prefer, and include chopped nuts for added texture.
• Cooking in a Pressure Cooker: If you don’t have an oven, you can bake Chhena Poda in a pressure cooker. It takes about 25-35 minutes.

FAQs about Chhena Poda Recipe

Can I make Chhena Poda without an oven?
Yes, you can bake Chhena Poda in a pressure cooker. Simply place the pan inside the cooker without the whistle, and cook on low heat for about 25-35 minutes.

What can I use instead of banana leaves?
If you don’t have banana leaves, you can use butter paper or parchment paper, or just grease the pan generously with ghee.

Can I use store-bought paneer for Chhena Poda?
Yes, both homemade and store-bought paneer work well. However, fresh homemade paneer or chenna gives the best texture and flavor.

Can I use jaggery instead of sugar?
Absolutely! Jaggery powder adds a rich caramel-like taste and is a great alternative to sugar.

How should I store leftovers?
Chhena Poda can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Just keep it in an airtight container and serve at room temperature or slightly warmed.

Chhena Poda is a delightful dessert that’s easy to make and a treat to eat. Perfect for special occasions or just when you’re craving a traditional Indian sweet, this baked paneer delicacy is sure to impress!