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The Perfect Diwali Dessert: Chenna Poda Recipe for a Sweet Celebration

The Chenna Poda Recipe is a traditional dessert from Odisha, famously known as the Indian cheesecake. This delicious sweet treat is made by combining fresh paneer (chhena), sugar, and aromatic spices, then baking it until the top caramelizes, creating a rich and decadent flavor. This blog will take you through a detailed, step-by-step Chenna Poda Recipe, perfect for making this mouth-watering dessert to enjoy during Diwali celebrations or any festive occasion.

The Perfect Diwali Dessert: Chenna Poda Recipe for a Sweet Celebration

Why is it called Chenna Poda?

Chenna Poda translates to “roasted cheese” in Odia. The name reflects its unique preparation process, where fresh paneer is slow-baked, allowing the sugar to caramelize and form a golden-brown crust. This special technique gives Chenna Poda its distinct flavor, making it one of Odisha’s most famous desserts.

The Perfect Diwali Dessert: Chenna Poda Recipe for a Sweet Celebration

How should Chenna Poda Taste?

The taste of Chenna Poda is a delightful blend of creamy, soft paneer, infused with the sweetness of sugar and the rich aroma of cardamom. The caramelized crust adds a hint of smokiness and crunch, balancing the dessert’s softness inside. When served warm, it melts in your mouth, offering a texture and taste that’s nothing short of divine.

About Chenna Poda

Chenna Poda is more than just a dessert; it’s a traditional dish deeply rooted in Odisha’s culture and cuisine. It is typically prepared during festive occasions like Diwali and other celebrations. It’s an ideal dessert for anyone who loves simple ingredients with a rich and authentic taste. What sets Chenna Poda apart is its minimal ingredient list, yet the result is an extraordinary dessert that captivates your senses with every bite.

The Perfect Diwali Dessert: Chenna Poda Recipe for a Sweet Celebration

How to Make Chenna Poda Super Yummy (or Perfect)?

Making a perfect Chenna Poda comes down to ensuring the right texture and caramelization. Here’s how to elevate your recipe:

  1. Use Fresh Paneer: The fresher the paneer (chenna), the softer and creamier your Chenna Poda will be.
  2. Caramelize Just Right: Keep an eye on the baking process to get that perfectly caramelized golden crust without burning it.
  3. Add Aromatics: A pinch of cardamom powder or a few crushed cashews adds depth to the flavor.
  4. Bake Slowly: Bake the dessert on low heat to ensure it cooks through evenly, allowing the sugar to melt into a caramelized layer on top.
The Perfect Diwali Dessert: Chenna Poda Recipe for a Sweet Celebration

Chenna Poda Recipe

Chenna Poda, a popular traditional dessert from Odisha, is often referred to as the Indian cheesecake. Made with fresh paneer (chhena), sugar, and aromatic spices, it’s baked to perfection with a caramelized top that gives it a rich, decadent flavor. This blog will guide you step-by-step on how to prepare this mouth-watering dessert that’s perfect for Diwali celebrations.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Indian, Odia
Servings 6
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl To combine all the ingredients like paneer, sugar, and spices.
  • Spatula For evenly mixing the paneer mixture and smoothing the top of the batter.
  • Baking dish A greased dish to bake the Chenna Poda. Use an oven-safe dish, preferably non-stick or lined with banana leaf.
  • Oven Required for baking the Chenna Poda at a consistent temperature.
  • Banana Leaf or Butter Paper To line the baking dish and prevent sticking (banana leaf adds a traditional touch).
  • Whisk For smoothly mixing sugar and ghee into the paneer mixture.
  • knife For cutting the baked Chenna Poda into serving pieces.
  • Cooling rack To allow the baked Chenna Poda to cool evenly before cutting.

Ingredients
  

  • 500g fresh paneer (chhena)
  • 200g sugar (adjust as per sweetness preference)
  • 2 tbsp semolina (sooji)
  • 2-3 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)
  • 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
  • A handful of cashew nuts and raisins (optional)
  • Banana leaf or butter paper (for lining)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Paneer: Crumble the fresh paneer (chenna) into a large mixing bowl. Ensure there are no large chunks.
  • Mix the Ingredients: Add sugar, semolina, cardamom powder, ghee, and a handful of chopped cashews and raisins to the paneer. Mix everything well until it forms a smooth dough-like consistency.
  • Line the Baking Pan: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking dish with ghee and line it with banana leaf or butter paper.
  • Fill the Baking Pan: Pour the prepared chenna mixture into the lined baking dish. Even out the top with a spatula.
  • Bake the Chenna Poda: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Cool and Serve: Let the Chenna Poda cool completely before cutting it into pieces. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • For a more festive touch, drizzle a bit of honey or sprinkle some saffron strands over the top before serving.
  • If you don’t have fresh paneer, you can make your own by curdling milk with lemon juice or vinegar.

Read More :
Delicious Diwali Sandesh Recipe: A Perfect Festive Treat
Bhakarwadi Recipe for Diwali: A Festive Treat to Savor
Kaju Katli Recipe: The Ultimate Guide to Making Perfect Cashew Fudge
Delicious Rasmalai Recipe: A Perfect Diwali Dessert

Conclusion

Chenna Poda is the ultimate dessert to add to your Diwali celebrations. Its combination of soft, creamy texture and rich caramelized flavor makes it a hit with both kids and adults. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or as an offering to the gods during the festive season, this sweet treat is sure to impress. Try it out for yourself and experience the magic of Odisha’s favorite dessert!

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