Gulab Sandesh Recipe: Cottage Cheese Flavored with Rose Water
Sweet, fragrant, and utterly delightful, Gulab Sandesh is a traditional Bengali dessert made with the purest form of homemade cottage cheese (chenna) and flavored with the delicate essence of rose water. This soft, melt-in-your-mouth treat is perfect for any festive occasion or as a simple, yet luxurious, end to a meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chenna (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 350 grams |
| Powdered Sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Rose Water (Gulab Jal) | 1 teaspoon |
| Pistachios (sliced) | 1/4 cup |
| Fresh Rose Petals | For garnishing (optional) |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 50 |
| Protein | 3 grams |
| Fat | 2 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 6 grams |
| Fiber | 1 gram |
| Sugars | 5 grams |
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 15–20 bite-sized balls
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chenna (Homemade Cottage Cheese)
Start by making fresh homemade chenna. You can follow a simple process of curdling milk with lemon juice or vinegar and then draining the curds through a muslin cloth. Press the chenna to remove excess moisture, leaving you with soft, crumbly homemade cottage cheese. Ensure that it is not too watery, as this will affect the texture of the Sandesh. -
Knead the Chenna Mixture
Place the drained chenna in a large mixing bowl. Add powdered sugar and rose water (gulab jal) to the mixture. Using the heel of your hands, knead the chenna gently but firmly for about 10 minutes. The goal is to achieve a smooth, soft dough. The longer you knead, the creamier the Sandesh will be. -
Shape the Sandesh
Once the dough is smooth and pliable, divide it into small, equal portions. Roll each portion between your palms to form bite-sized balls. Press each ball lightly with your thumb to create a small indentation in the center. -
Garnish and Final Touches
Gently place a sliced pistachio or a fresh rose petal into the center of each ball, adding a pop of color and a subtle, aromatic touch. This also enhances the flavor, making it even more delicate and pleasing. -
Chill and Serve
While the Sandesh can be enjoyed immediately, refrigerating them for about 15 minutes will help them set and enhance the flavors. Once chilled, serve the Gulab Sandesh on a decorative platter, perfect for special occasions or casual desserts.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Gulab Sandesh with a warm cup of Tetley Cinnamon and Honey Green Tea, which complements and balances the sweet, floral notes of the dessert. The earthy sweetness of the rose water and the crunch of pistachios combine to create a delightful contrast to the herbal tea, making for a truly memorable experience.
Gulab Sandesh is a perfect marriage of simplicity and indulgence. The rich, homemade chenna is infused with the delicate essence of rose water, creating a traditional Bengali treat that is as elegant as it is comforting. Whether you are celebrating a festival, a special occasion, or simply enjoy a sweet bite after dinner, this recipe will leave everyone craving more!
