Chanar Payesh Recipe – A Bengali Delight
When it comes to sweets, nothing can truly compare to the taste of Bengali desserts. Whether you’re a Bengali or from a different region, Bengali sweets have a special charm that captures everyone’s heart. Chanar Payesh, a rich and aromatic dessert made from homemade paneer (chenna), is one such delicacy that stands out as a favorite among sweet lovers. This dessert, typically served chilled, is a perfect blend of creamy textures and subtly sweet flavors, enhanced with a delicate touch of saffron, cardamom, and nuts.
Cuisine: Bengali
Course: Dessert
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients for Chanar Payesh
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 250 grams |
| Milk (Full Cream) | 2 cups |
| Sugar | 1/3 cup |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Saffron strands | Few strands, soaked in 2 tablespoons milk |
| Cashew nuts | 10, chopped |
| Sultana Raisins | 10 |
| Whole Almonds (Badam) | 6, chopped |
| Pistachios | Few, chopped |
| Mixed nuts (for garnish) | Chopped |
| Rose Petals | For garnish |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
Instructions to Make Chanar Payesh
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Prepare the Paneer:
- Take fresh homemade paneer and place it in a bowl.
- Mash it well with your hands until smooth and moist. This will form the base for the chenna dumplings.
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Make the Dumplings:
- Pinch small, marble-sized portions of the mashed paneer and shape them into smooth dumplings. Set them aside.
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Cook the Milk:
- In a thick-bottomed pan, add the full cream milk and bring it to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and allow the milk to simmer until it thickens and turns off-white, with a creamy consistency.
- Scrape the cream from the sides of the pan and add it into the simmering milk.
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Add Flavor and Sweetness:
- To the milk, add sugar, saffron milk (soaked saffron strands in milk), and cardamom powder.
- Stir in the chopped cashews, almonds, and pistachios.
- Continue to cook the milk for another few minutes, stirring regularly to prevent it from burning.
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Cook the Chenna Dumplings:
- Once the milk reaches a thick and creamy consistency, gently slide the prepared chenna dumplings into the milk mixture.
- Cook the dumplings for an additional 5-6 minutes on a low flame, allowing them to absorb the flavors of the milk.
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Add Raisins and Finish:
- Add the sultana raisins and mix gently.
- Turn off the heat and set the payesh aside to cool to room temperature.
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Chill and Serve:
- Once the Chanar Payesh has cooled, refrigerate it for a few hours to let the flavors meld and the dessert set.
- Serve chilled, garnished with chopped mixed nuts, rose petals, and a few strands of saffron for an extra touch of elegance.
Tips for Perfect Chanar Payesh
- Fresh Paneer: For the best texture and taste, ensure that the paneer is freshly made. It should be soft and moist for the dumplings to form smoothly.
- Cardamom & Saffron: These two ingredients add a distinct flavor and aroma to the dessert. Be sure to use fresh cardamom powder and saffron for an authentic taste.
- Low Flame Cooking: When adding the chenna dumplings to the milk, cook on a low flame to avoid curdling the milk and to ensure that the dumplings absorb the sweet, creamy flavor.
- Chill Well: This dessert is best served chilled, so make sure to refrigerate it for a few hours before serving for the most refreshing experience.
Serving Suggestions
Chanar Payesh is a versatile dessert, perfect for a variety of occasions:
- Festivals & Celebrations: This is a fantastic dessert to serve during festivals like Durga Puja, Diwali, or Holi, adding a touch of Bengali tradition to your celebrations.
- Dinner Parties: Serve chilled as a refreshing end to a heavy meal, balancing rich flavors with its creamy sweetness.
- As a Gift: Packaged in small jars, this dessert makes a lovely homemade gift for loved ones during special occasions.
How to Serve Chanar Payesh
Pair your Chanar Payesh with other Bengali delights for a complete meal, such as:
- Methi Matar Pulao – A savory rice dish with fenugreek and peas, ideal for a flavorful main course.
- Nawabi Kofta Curry – Rich and indulgent, these meat or vegetable koftas in a creamy curry offer a perfect balance to the sweet dessert.
- Beetroot Raita – A cool, tangy yogurt-based side dish with a hint of beetroot that helps refresh the palate.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 170 kcal |
| Protein | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Sodium | 25mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 9g |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on exact ingredients used.
Conclusion
Chanar Payesh is a wonderful Bengali dessert that offers a delightful end to any meal. With its rich, creamy texture and delicate flavors of saffron, cardamom, and nuts, this dessert is sure to be loved by all who try it. Easy to prepare yet so indulgent, it’s a perfect choice for family gatherings, festive celebrations, or even as a special treat after a hearty meal. Serve it chilled and enjoy the taste of Bengali heritage in every bite!
