Chenna Poda Recipe: I love chenna poda. Firstly, it is one of the most versatile ingredients to cook with. Chenna poda is a delightful dessert popular in Odisha. It’s made with chenna or fresh paneer. The entire dish is baked and can also be referred to as paneer cake.
Chenna is also utilized to create exquisite and delicate Odia sweets like chenna poda, chenna jhili, and chenna gaja. The chenna poda recipe is essentially an Indian baked cheesecake. Making chenna poda at home is quite simple. It is delicious and packed with nutrition. It boasts a beautiful crust on the outside and a delicate soft texture inside.
This recipe translates to “roasted cheese” in English. It’s also believed that chenna poda is the favorite sweet of Lord Jagannath. Chenna poda is often made during festivals like Diwali or Durga Puja.
Ingredients for Chenna Poda Recipe:
- 250 grams paneer (homemade cottage cheese)
- 4 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon ghee
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons semolina (sooji/rawa)
- 1/2 tablespoon cardamom powder
- Few broken cashew nuts
- Sultana raisins, as required
For caramelizing:
- 1 tablespoon ghee
- 2-3 tablespoons sugar
Directions for Chenna Poda Recipe:
- Start by mashing fresh paneer or homemade chenna well with your hands.
- Add powdered sugar and cardamom powder, and mix thoroughly.
- Add semolina, ghee, and milk, and mix until well incorporated.
- In a separate pan, fry the broken pieces of cashews and a few raisins, then add them to the chenna mix.
- In a baking pan or tin, add 1 tablespoon of ghee and spread it evenly over the base.
- Sprinkle sugar evenly over the ghee in the pan, and heat the pan until the sugar caramelizes.
- Turn off the heat and transfer the chenna mix evenly over the caramelized sugar.
- Tap the pan to settle the mix well, and bake the chenna in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Remove the baked chenna poda from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for approximately 2 hours.
- Invert the pan onto a serving tray, carefully remove the chenna poda, and slice it.
- Serve chenna poda with masala chai and whole moong dal vada.
Notes:
You can also use paneer from the dairy.
Alternatively, you can replace 1-1/4 cups of jaggery with 1 cup sugar + 1/4 cup jaggery for a healthier version.
This recipe is easy to make at home with simple ingredients. We hope you enjoy it! If you have any feedback, please share it in the comments. Thank you.
Conclusion:
Chenna Poda Recipe is not just a dessert; it’s a culinary treasure from Odisha that reflects the rich tradition and culture of the region. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation method, anyone can enjoy the delightful flavors of this baked cheesecake at home. Whether it’s for a festive occasion or a simple treat, chenna poda never fails to impress with its unique taste and texture. So, why not try making this traditional Odia sweet in your kitchen and savor the essence of authentic Indian cuisine?
FAQs about Chenna Poda Recipe
What is chenna poda?
Chenna poda is a popular dessert from Odisha, India, made with fresh paneer (chenna). It is essentially a baked cheesecake with a delightful crust on the outside and a soft texture inside.
How is chenna poda made?
To make chenna poda, fresh paneer is mashed and mixed with powdered sugar, semolina, milk, ghee, and flavorings like cardamom powder. The mixture is then baked until golden brown and set.
What makes chenna poda unique?
Chenna poda is unique due to its traditional preparation method and the use of fresh paneer, which gives it a distinct texture and flavor. It is also caramelized before baking, adding a rich sweetness to the dessert.
Can I customize the recipe?
Yes, you can customize the recipe by adding nuts, raisins, or other flavorings to the chenna mixture. Additionally, you can adjust the sweetness according to your preference by varying the amount of sugar or using jaggery as a healthier alternative.
Is chenna poda suitable for special occasions?
Absolutely! Chenna poda is often prepared during festivals like Diwali or Durga Puja in Odisha. Its rich taste and cultural significance make it a perfect dessert for special occasions and celebrations.
