Chhena Poda is an extremely popular smoky flavored sweet delicacy from the state of Odisha in Indian subcontinent. The odia word ‘poda’ means burnt and ‘chhena‘ means cottage cheese, so Chhena Poda literally indicates a burnt cheesecake. And this is believed that this sweet dish is one of the most favorite dessert of Lord Jagannath in Puri, Odisha.
This is prepared by baking a mixture of some well kneaded homemade fresh chhena (cottage cheese), sugar, dry fruits (cashews & raisins) and sooji until brown in color. After baking, the result is a soft cheese cake with caramelization all around. Fresh and soft chhena is the key factor of this sweet cake. This has basically a distinct strong flavor from caramelization of sugar. The whole process is so easy and simple and also a must try dish for sweet craving persons. This popular dessert will surely make a center piece of attraction in parties.
So do try this delicious Chhena Poda. If you tried my recipe and enjoyed fully, then please share some pictures of your creation with me. Also give your valuable feedback either in the comment box below or tag me as #firsttimercook on Instagram. You may also follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Google+, Instagram and can subscribe for free to get new recipes directly into your inbox 😊
Preparation Time : 10 mins | Cooking Time : 50 mins
Ingredients :
In
gredients |
Measurements
|
500 gm
|
|
Sooji (semolina)
|
2 tbsp
|
Milk
|
½ cup
|
Sugar (granulated)
|
¾ cup
|
Cardamom powder
|
1 tsp
|
Cashew (chopped)
|
2 tbsp
|
Raisin
|
2 tbsp
|
Ghee
|
5-6 tbsp
|
Method :
- In a pan, fry chopped cashews and few raisins. Keep aside.
- For caramelized effect on top of chhena poda, apply ghee (2 tbsp) all over a baking mold and then sprinkle 1/4 cup sugar.
- Put the baking mold into the oven for 5 mins at 210 deg. Remove from oven and keep aside too.
- Preheat the oven at 180 deg.
- Take chhena in a mixing bowl and mash it gently by hand.
- Then add sugar(1/2 cup), cardamom powder and mix properly.
- Next add sooji, ghee (4 tbsp), milk, fried chopped cashews & raisins and mix well till everything incorporates well.
- Transfer the chhena mixture into the mold evenly. Tap the mold a bit and bake at 180 deg for 40-45 mins / till a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Take out the mold, cool it for 1-2 hours and then turn it upside down to get the deliciously soft chhena poda.
- Cut into slices and serve warm / cold as desire !
Notes :
I've never had a chance to try Chhena Poda, but it surely sounds absolutely delicious. Thank you so much for this detailed recipe. I'll try making this beauty at home. 🙂
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The chhena poda looks absolutely delish Sasmita.. bookmarking the recipe ..will give it a try soon
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What a dessert!You Odians are awesome in your desserts!Bookmarking this recipe!Will give it a try soon!
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Chhena poda looks so perfect and yummy Sasmita. Awesome share. Thanks for the recipe.
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OMG! This is seriously amazing. Look at the texture, total droolsome recipe, thanks a Bunch for this one, will try it out ASAP 🙂 – Meghna.
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Oh man, that looks soooo juicy, rich and decadent. I made chenna poda couple of years ago but it was a disaster. You are tempting me to give it another try now.
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This is indeed a treat Sasmita! Your recipe, photos and the history of the Chhena Poda all fabulous!
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Wow.. delicious and spongy. It is made so well and I want a slice of it right now.
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Love it sasmita. I never tried this. Would love to try the recipe very soon Thanks for lovely share
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Amazing chenna poda Sasmita. I'd tried baking one when we had the Odia theme and though the taste was awesome the overall appearance was bad. Reading through you recipe I think I know where the mistakes were. You mentioned to mash the chenna lightly with the hands so that means its not smooth, right like the way we would make it for rasgulla?
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Yes di, I always prefer the texture of rasgulla as a very smooth type and of chhenapoda as a bit not very smooth (little crumbleness must be there)
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I love this as I have eaten chhena poda when my uncle was stationed in Odisha long ago. I am bookmarking this recipe to be tried will be pestering you for more details.
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I had an immense pleasure to bake this chhena poda for a challenge and loved it thoroughly. How catchy and pretty this baked cheesecake looks. Yummy slice there.
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The chhena poda looks absolutely delish.. lovely write up, good to know about it…bookmarking the recipe, will try out soon.
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Have you used store bought cottage cheese ? If yes, can you specify the brand, if not can you explain the process of making it.
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No, i always prefer to prepare at home. Here is the recipe link you may follow 👇http://www.firsttimercook.com/2016/08/chenna.html
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What a lovely share …and a perfect texture I must say.
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The cake must taste divine with a creamy texture and caramelized top! I love the short list of ingredients and easy to bake process. It's going very high on my to-do-list!
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Wow , lovely looking Chhenna poda. Though never tried or tasted , me sure it tastes amazing. Superb recipe
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This chhenna poda looks so delicious. Bookmarking this recipe to try sometime.
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It looks divine, so moist and delicious! Can almost taste this, yumm!
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Chenna cake sounds like a treat for a get together or party. I am so bookmarking it to try later.
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this tastes like heaven.
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I love Chhena Poda!! Absolutely scrumptious. I had tasted it sometime back. Fab share sasmita.
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What a great delicious cake.. super amazing
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Such a tempting and delicious looking cake, have never tried and it is on my to do list.
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Looks unbelievably delicious! Yummyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!! I mean it!!
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