Chhena Poda

Chhena Poda is a traditional Indian dessert from Odisha, made from baked fresh cheese, offering a delightful caramelized flavor and a unique texture. This gluten-free dish is perfect for those who enjoy a sweet treat with a hint of nostalgia.

Ingredients

• Chhena (fresh paneer) - 250 grams
• Sugar - 100 grams
• Semolina (rava) - 2 tablespoons
• Cardamom powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Ghee (clarified butter) - 2 tablespoons
• Raisins - 2 tablespoons
• Cashews - 2 tablespoons
• Baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Milk - 2 tablespoons

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a mixing bowl, crumble the chhena (fresh paneer) until smooth.
3. Add sugar, semolina, cardamom powder, ghee, baking powder, and milk to the crumbled chhena and mix well until combined.
4. Fold in the raisins and cashews into the mixture.
5. Grease a baking dish with ghee and pour the chhena mixture into it, spreading it evenly.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Once baked, let it cool for about 10-15 minutes before slicing into pieces and serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 10 g
• Carbs: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Cholesterol: 30 mg
• Total Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Water: 0.1 L

Health Benefits

• Good source of protein from chhena, beneficial for muscle repair and growth.
• Contains healthy fats from ghee and nuts, promoting heart health.

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