Olivia Carter
If you love Indian desserts, then Chhena Poda is a must-try for you! Chhena Poda is a popular and delicious sweet dish hailing from the state of Odisha in India. It is a baked cheese dessert made with chhena (a type of cottage cheese), sugar, cardamom, and a hint of semolina. The name “Chhena Poda” translates to “roasted cheese” in English, which perfectly describes its unique caramelized texture and taste.
Making Chhena Poda traditionally requires a special oven called a “pidhauli.” However, you can also easily make it in a pressure cooker, without compromising on its authentic flavors. This method allows you to enjoy the delectable Chhena Poda right at home, without the need for any specialized equipment.
To make Chhena Poda in a pressure cooker, you will need to prepare the chhena mixture, caramel syrup, and then bake it in the pressure cooker. The result is a mouthwatering sweet dish with a perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and aroma. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a delightful dessert, making Chhena Poda in a pressure cooker is a fantastic choice.
Ingredients for Chhena Poda
- 500g fresh paneer (chhena)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup semolina (sooji)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (maida)
- 1/2 cup ghee
- 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachios)
- 1/4 cup raisins
To make the chhena for chhena poda, you will need:
- 3 liters of full-fat milk
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar
Note: You can adjust the sugar quantity according to your taste preference.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat the pressure cooker on low heat for 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, crumble the chhena and knead it with your hands until it becomes smooth and soft.
- Add sugar, cardamom powder, raisins, and chopped nuts to the chhena and mix well.
- Grease a small baking dish with ghee and pour the chhena mixture into the dish.
- Level the mixture with a spoon and place the dish inside the pressure cooker.
- Close the lid and cook on medium heat for about 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the pressure cooker from heat and let it cool down for a few minutes.
- Once cool, open the lid of the pressure cooker and gently remove the baking dish.
- Allow the chhena poda to cool completely before cutting it into desired shapes.
- Your delicious chhena poda is ready to be served! Enjoy!
Tips for Making Chhena Poda
Chhena Poda is a popular dessert from the Indian state of Odisha. It is made by caramelizing a mixture of chhena (Indian cottage cheese), sugar, and cardamom powder. If you want to try making Chhena Poda in a pressure cooker, here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect result:
1. Prepare the Chhena:
Start by making fresh chhena from scratch. To do this, bring milk to a boil and curdle it using lemon juice or vinegar. Strain the curdled milk in a cheesecloth and rinse it under cold water to remove any sourness. Squeeze out excess water and crumble the chhena to a smooth consistency.
2. Use the right amount of sugar:
While making Chhena Poda, it is important to use the right amount of sugar. Adding too much sugar can make the dessert overly sweet, while adding too little may result in a bland taste. It is recommended to use around 1 cup of sugar for every 1 cup of chhena.
3. Add flavors:
Enhance the taste of Chhena Poda by adding flavors like cardamom powder, vanilla essence, or saffron strands. These ingredients will add a delightful aroma and taste to the dessert.
4. Caramelize the sugar:
To get the signature caramelized top of Chhena Poda, it is important to follow the right caramelization technique. Heat sugar in a pan until it melts and turns golden brown. Make sure to keep stirring continuously to prevent burning. Once the sugar caramelizes, spread it evenly in the pressure cooker and let it cool.
5. Cook in the pressure cooker:
Place the prepared chhena mixture over the caramelized sugar in the pressure cooker. Close the lid and cook on medium heat for about 35-40 minutes or until the Chhena Poda is firm and golden brown. Allow it to cool completely before removing from the pressure cooker.
6. Serve and enjoy:
Once completely cooled, gently flip the Chhena Poda onto a serving plate. Cut it into pieces and garnish with chopped nuts if desired. Serve it as a delicious dessert or a sweet treat during festivals and celebrations.
Follow these tips and enjoy the rich and decadent Chhena Poda made in a pressure cooker. Its unique caramelized flavor and creamy texture will surely impress your taste buds!
Variations of Chhena Poda
Chhena Poda, the traditional Odisha sweet, has its own unique flavor and texture. While the classic recipe involves using chhena (paneer) made from scratch, there are also some interesting variations you can try to give this dessert a twist. Here are a few ideas:
1. Chocolate Chhena Poda
If you’re a chocolate lover, you can add a touch of cocoa powder or melted chocolate to the batter to make a chocolate-flavored Chhena Poda. The rich chocolate taste complements the caramelized sugar of the dessert perfectly.
2. Fruit and Nut Chhena Poda
To add some texture and fruity flavors to your Chhena Poda, you can mix in some chopped nuts like cashews, almonds, or pistachios, along with dry fruits such as raisins or dried cranberries. This variation adds a delightful crunch and bursts of sweetness in every bite.
Note: Make sure to use good quality nuts and fruits to enhance the taste of your dessert.
3. Cardamom or Rose Flavored Chhena Poda
For a unique twist, you can infuse the batter with the aromatic flavors of cardamom or rose essence. These flavors blend beautifully with the creamy chhena and create a fragrant dessert with a hint of floral or spice.
Experimenting with different ingredients and flavors is a great way to customize Chhena Poda to your liking. Just remember to stick to the basic recipe and adjust the additional ingredients accordingly. Don’t be afraid to get creative and enjoy the process of making this delicious sweet!
FAQ
What is Chhena Poda?
Chhena Poda is a traditional Odia dessert made with chhena (Indian cottage cheese), sugar, cardamom powder, and ghee. It is baked until it turns golden brown and has a caramelized crust.
How do I make Chhena Poda in a pressure cooker?
To make Chhena Poda in a pressure cooker, you will first need to prepare the chhena by curdling milk and then draining the whey. Once the chhena is ready, mix it with sugar and cardamom powder. Grease a cake tin with ghee and pour the chhena mixture into it. Place the cake tin in a pressure cooker with some water at the bottom. Cover the pressure cooker without the weight and bake the Chhena Poda on low heat for about 45-50 minutes.
