Chhena Poda is a delicious cheese dessert that originated in Odisha and is still popular there. It is made by baking fresh cheese (chhena ) with sugar or jaggery , semolina, and other ingredients until it caramelizes and develops a rich flavor. This recipe is a simple and convenient version of the authentic method, which uses a clay oven and sal leaves.
Chhena Poda Ingredients
3 cups (850 gms) ricotta cheese (chhena) or homemade cheese
3 tbsp semolina (sooji)
1 cup sugar (chini)
½ cup brown sugar or jaggery (guda)
Or 1 and half cup jaggery
1 tsp cardamom powder (gujarati)
8 roasted cashew nuts (kaju)
15 raisins (kismis)
Chhena Poda Method
In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, semolina, sugar, and brown sugar or jaggery. Use a hand mixer to blend them into a smooth batter. Stir in the cardamom powder, cashew nuts, and raisins.
Preheat the oven to 350 °C and grease a baking pan with butter. Pour the batter into the pan and spread it evenly.
Bake the cheese for 40 to 45 minutes or until the top becomes golden brown.
To get a crispy crust on the top, broil for 2 to 3 minutes.
Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool down. Cover the pan with foil to keep the cheese moist.
Cut into pieces and serve. Enjoy your chhena Poda!
