What is Sandesh Sweet Recipe?
Sandesh Sweet Recipe: Sandesh, or Shondesh in Bengali, stands out as a sweet marvel hailing from Bengal, woven into the vibrant tapestry of festivities like Durga Puja. This milk-based delicacy, crafted from chenna or paneer, beckons with its sweet allure, demanding only a handful of ingredients. As you embark on the journey of creating Sandesh Sweet, infuse it with your creativity – experiment with flavors, or carve intricate designs using a wooden press, toothpick, or fork. Let’s dive into the world of this delectable Bengali sweet.
Bengali Sandesh Sweet is a symphony of flavors, harmonized by the delicate notes of chenna or paneer, commonly known as Indian cottage cheese. Its sweetness and moist texture make it an ideal choice for either a sumptuous dessert or a quick snack. Once you savor the charm of this Bengali Sandesh Sweet Recipe, you’ll find yourself irresistibly drawn to its simplicity – a stark contrast to the complexities of Gulab Jamun or Rasgulla.
Commence your Sandesh expedition by crafting fresh paneer or cottage cheese. Curdle milk with a touch of lemon juice, allowing the curdled milk solids to snugly rest in a cheesecloth or muslin. Patiently await as the whey gracefully drains, setting the stage for the forthcoming culinary masterpiece.
How to Make Sandesh Sweet Recipe:
Make Chenna:
Start by preparing the paneer or chenna. Bring 1 liter of whole milk to a boil. Reduce the heat and add 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of lemon juice to curdle the milk.
Stir after adding the lemon juice to curdle the milk. Pour the curdled milk into a deep bowl lined with muslin, a thin cotton napkin, or cheesecloth.
Set Chenna:
Take the four corners of the muslin, gather the curdled paneer, and squeeze out the whey. Rinse the chenna with water lightly to remove the sourness of the lemon juice or vinegar.
Place a heavy bowl or a stone pestle on the muslin for about 30 minutes to let the chenna or paneer set.
Mix and Knead Chenna:
Transfer the chenna to a plate or tray and knead and mash it using your knuckles. Knead until the mixture becomes smooth, soft, and less granular.
Add 2 tablespoons of palm jaggery and 3 tablespoons of sugar. Knead for another 2 to 3 minutes until the jaggery and sugar melt, releasing moisture into the mixture.
Tips:
Alternatively, pulse the chenna, palm jaggery, and sugar in a mixer or blender.
If palm jaggery is unavailable, use 5 tablespoons of raw sugar or white sugar, adjusting according to taste.
Bengali Sandesh Sweet is a versatile sweet with various variations crafted for different festive occasions, such as kaju sandesh, pista sandesh, bhapa sandesh (steamed), dates sandesh, ice cream sandesh, and chocolate sandesh.
Cooking the Chenna Mixture:
Transfer the mixture to a non-stick pan with a thick base or a well-seasoned pan. Continuously stir the mixture and cook over low heat for a total of 8 to 9 minutes.
Within 2 to 3 minutes of placing the pan on the stovetop, the mixture will become smooth with a molten consistency.
As it continues to cook, the moisture will gradually dry up, but it should not become too dry. The chenna should retain some moisture and should not be dense or rubbery.
When the mixture appears soft but not runny, has thickened slightly, and starts coming together, it’s time to turn off the heat. Ensure no oil or fat is released from the Sandesh Sweet mixture. The image below illustrates the desired consistency of the paneer mix for Sandesh Sweet after cooking on low heat for 8 to 9 minutes.
Note that the cooking time may vary based on the pan’s size, make, and heat intensity.
Making Bengali Sandesh Sweet Recipe:
Allow the Sandesh Sweet mixture to cool at room temperature. Then, knead the mixture again using your knuckles.
Take small portions of the paneer mixture and shape them into round, flattened balls or pedas. Use a toothpick or fork to create designs on the Sandesh Sweet. Press pistachios, almond slices, or raisins into the center of the sweets.
Tip: Traditional shondesh molds made from wood can also be used for shaping.
Serve the Sandesh Sweet Recipe immediately as a delightful sweet snack. If not serving right away, refrigerate for 2 to 3 days. Avoid leaving them at room temperature to prevent spoilage.
Helpful Tips:
Jaggery: Palm jaggery lends a rustic flavor to Sandesh Sweet, but it can be omitted, using only sugar for a cream-colored result.
Paneer: For optimal results, use freshly made paneer or cottage cheese. Fresh paneer makes it easier to achieve the desired consistency. Ensure the paneer mixture is smooth and fine after combining it with jaggery and sugar.
Toppings: Sandesh Sweet Recipe is typically adorned with pistachios, almond slices, or raisins for extra flavor. Experiment with different toppings for varied flavors.
Batch: The Sandesh Sweet Recipe can be halved, doubled, or tripled based on the number of servings needed.
In Conclusion:
Sandesh Sweet Recipe, a refined Bengali delicacy, emerges as a delectable sweet originating from the harmonious blend of chenna or paneer. This recipe extends a canvas for personalization, accommodating a diverse array of flavors and toppings to suit individual preferences. The cooking process demands attentive precision to attain the coveted consistency. Whether promptly savored as a sweet indulgence or refrigerated for later enjoyment, Sandesh stands as a delightful culinary offering for festive occasions and beyond.
Sandesh Sweet Recipe Frequently Asked Questions:
What Constitutes Sandesh Sweet?
Sandesh Sweet Recipe is an exquisite Bengali confection crafted from chenna or paneer, also known as Indian cottage cheese. It boasts a delightful sweetness and moist texture, rendering it an ideal choice for dessert or a snack.
How is Chenna Prepared for Sandesh Sweet?
To create the foundational chenna, commence by boiling 1 liter of whole milk. Gradually reduce the heat and introduce 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of lemon juice to initiate the curdling process. Subsequently, collect the curdled paneer using muslin, expel the whey, rinse lightly, and allow it to set for approximately 30 minutes.
Can Sandesh Sweet Flavor be Customized?
Certainly! Embrace your culinary creativity by infusing your preferred flavors during the kneading phase. Additionally, explore diverse toppings such as pistachios, almond slices, or raisins to impart distinct flavor profiles.
What is the Cooking Process for the Chenna Mixture?
Transfer the meticulously prepared chenna mixture to a non-stick pan, subjecting it to low heat for a span of 8 to 9 minutes. Witness the transformation as the mixture attains a smooth, molten consistency within the initial 2 to 3 minutes. Vigilance is paramount to prevent excessive drying; the chenna should maintain a moist texture without turning dense or rubbery.
What Varietal Adaptations of Sandesh Sweet are Feasible?
Bengali Sandesh Sweet unfolds a realm of possibilities with versatile renditions like kaju sandesh, pista sandesh, bhapa sandesh (steamed), dates sandesh, ice cream sandesh, and chocolate sandesh.
