Creamy Chanar Payesh: Traditional Bengali Paneer Dessert

Chanar Payesh: A Traditional Bengali Dessert

Chanar Payesh is a beloved Bengali dessert made with fresh paneer (also known as chenna) cooked in creamy, full-fat milk, flavored with aromatic cardamom, saffron, and a mixture of nuts and dried fruits. It’s a rich and indulgent treat perfect for celebrations, festivals, or simply when you crave something sweet and satisfying. This dessert not only delights the taste buds but also offers a touch of sophistication with its creamy texture and fragrant essence. The dish is traditionally served chilled, making it a refreshing end to a hearty meal.

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Ingredients

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Servings: 4

Cuisine: Bengali

Course: Dessert

Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chenna (Paneer Dumplings):
   Start by taking the fresh paneer and placing it in a bowl. Using your hands, mash it well until it becomes smooth and moist. The consistency should be soft, almost like a dough. Pinch off small portions of the paneer to form marble-sized dumplings, which are known as chenna. Set them aside.

2. Boil and Reduce the Milk:
   In a thick-bottomed pan, bring the full cream milk to a boil over medium heat. Allow the milk to reduce by simmering it gently until it becomes creamy and thickens to an off-white color. Stir occasionally and scrape the cream from the sides of the pan, adding it back into the milk for an extra creamy texture.

3. Add Flavorings and Nuts:
   Once the milk has thickened, add the sugar, saffron-infused milk, and cardamom powder. Stir well to dissolve the sugar and allow the spices to blend into the milk. Next, add the chopped cashews, almonds, and pistachios. Let this mixture simmer for a few minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the milk from burning.

4. Cook the Chenna Dumplings:
   When the milk reaches a thick and creamy consistency, gently slide in the prepared chenna dumplings. Allow them to cook in the milk for about 5-6 minutes over low heat. The chenna will absorb the flavors of the milk and become even more delicious.

5. Add Raisins and Cool:
   Stir in the raisins and give everything a final mix. Turn off the heat and let the payesh cool down for a while. Once it has cooled to room temperature, place it in the refrigerator to chill.

6. Serve:
   Once chilled, your Chanar Payesh is ready to be served. Garnish with rose petals for a lovely touch of color and fragrance. This dessert is best enjoyed cold and makes an excellent sweet treat for house parties, festivals, or as a comforting finish to a meal.

Serving Suggestions

Chanar Payesh pairs wonderfully as a dessert following a delightful meal. Try serving it after dishes like Methi Matar Pulao, Nawabi Kofta Curry, or a refreshing Beetroot Raita (cold beet and yogurt soup/salad). The smooth, creamy texture of the payesh provides the perfect contrast to these flavorful dishes, and it adds an element of festivity to your dining table.

Why You’ll Love Chanar Payesh

• Rich and Creamy Texture: The thickened full cream milk and soft chenna dumplings create a luxurious, creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
• Fragrant Flavors: The combination of saffron, cardamom, and nuts gives this dessert an aromatic, warm profile.
• Perfect for Celebrations: Whether it’s a family gathering, a festival, or a special occasion, Chanar Payesh is a treat that adds elegance to any meal.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.)

Chanar Payesh is a dessert that beautifully showcases the rich culinary traditions of Bengali cuisine. With its smooth paneer dumplings and aromatic saffron-flavored milk, it’s a sweet indulgence that anyone will enjoy. Whether you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion or treat yourself to something indulgent, this dessert is sure to impress.