Bengal is one of the famous state. This state is popular from the time of British rule. Even before it was there but due to British and other invaders came through this state. In facr this became more popular. Apart from that today politically everyone discussed the state in the country. The state has gained prominence through its tradition, culture and food also.
One of the most popular sweet of bengal is sondesh, dish is made of khoya, a version of condensed milk and is heavenly in taste. This sweet is neither overly sweet thus allowing people with a non-sweet tooth to enjoy too. Sondesh sweet is also known as pranahara.
More importantly always haves to use full cream milk for any bengali milk based sweet recipe. otherwise chhena or paneer would not be thick and you would not be able to shape it. secondly, can also use store bought paneer for this recipe, but has to ensure it to be on softer side. Lastly, you can prepare flavoured Sondesh recipe by adding chocolate, mango pulp, vanilla and even coffee flavoured recipe.
3 Ingredients For Sandesh Sweet
Milk – always use full-fat whole milk (preferably cow’s milk.. We will be curdling the milk to separate the fat content. For that purpose, you will need full-fat milk. Low fat, fat-free won’t work here.
Lemon juice – Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice (not bottled one). It is used to curdle the milk. Instead, you can use vinegar.
Sugar – of course, it is a dessert recipe.
The Sandesha making proces:
Making chenna – You must make chenna fresh and use right away. You cannot make it ahead of time or cannot use a refrigerated one.
Making sandesh from chenna (soft paneer) – it takes some time since the process requires kneading, cooking on stove-top and shaping. Though it takes time, it is easy.
1) Prepare a sieve for straining: Line a large fine-mesh sieve with several layers of cheese cheesecloth or use man’s handkerchief or thin cotton cloth. Set over a large bowl.
2) Add milk to a pot and Bring it to a boil: Pour the milk in a heavy bottom pan or patila. Heat the milk over medium heat and let it come to a full boil, stirring frequently.
3) Off the heat, add lemon juice: Once it starts boiling, turn off the heat and remove it from the heat. Add lemon juice and keep stirring.
4) Milk has curdled: As you stir, you will notice that milk has starts to curdle. If it does not curdle, then you can add more lemon juice. But do not add too much at the beginning.
5) Strain the mixture: You will see the greenish whey and milk solids (chenna) are separated. Drain and separate them using a prepared strainer. You can keep and use the whey later in curry, dal, soup, etc.
6) Wash under running water: Then wash the chenna under running cold water, so all the sourness from lemon juice/vinegar will wash away. Also, as it cools down, it stops further cooking and prevents it from becoming chewy
7) Remove the moisture: Now gather the edges of the cloth, tie and twist, press lightly to remove all the moisture.
Make Sondesh:
1) Take prepared chenna to a plate.
2) Knead till smooth: Start kneading with the help of your palm and keep kneading till it gets smooth and comes together like a dough. You can see the difference from above and below pic. It took me about 4-5 minutes.
3) Add sugar: now add sugar to the smooth, kneaded chenna. If the sugar granules are bigger then grind into the powder and use.
4) Again knead: again knead it well to incorporate the sugar. It will become sticky yet smooth. No more bigger sized milk granules left. Alternately you can do this kneading step in a food processor.
5) Cooking the mixture: take the chenna sugar mixture into the pan and turn the heat on medium-low. Continue cooking with stirring constantly.
6) Cook for 4-5 minutes only: This step is crucial, cook for only 4-5 minutes no more than that. Do not overcook it otherwise it becomes crumbly.
7) Cool it to warm: remove the cooked mixture to a plate, spread it for quicker cooling. Let it cool down till it becomes warm.
8) Again knead till smooth: While it is still warm, start kneading it till it becomes smooth and comes together like a dough ball.
9) Start shaping: now take a small portion and start shaping into a patty or peda like. You can use store-bought moulds to shape them.
These sondesh are perfect for this Diwali festival or Durga puja..