Burnt Cheesecake Delight: Authentic Chenna Poda Recipe

Chenna Poda Recipe – Traditional Oriya Baked Sweet

Chenna Poda, meaning “burnt cheese,” is a classic and cherished dessert from the Indian state of Odisha. This baked delicacy features fresh paneer (homemade cottage cheese) blended with sugar, semolina, and fragrant cardamom, all caramelized to perfection in the oven. Its unique smoky, caramelized crust and soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture make it a beloved treat among all age groups.

Recipe Details

• Cuisine: Oriya Recipes
• Course: Dessert
• Diet: Vegetarian
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 8

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare the Paneer Mixture

   • Start by taking fresh paneer or homemade chenna in a mixing bowl.
   • Mash it well with your hands until it reaches a smooth consistency.
   • Add powdered sugar and cardamom powder, and mix everything together until well combined.
   • Add sooji (semolina), 1-1/2 tablespoons of ghee, and milk. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are incorporated into a smooth batter.

2. Add Nuts and Dry Fruits

   • In a separate pan, add a small amount of ghee.
   • Fry the broken cashew nuts and raisins until they are golden brown.
   • Add these to the chenna mixture and stir well.

3. Caramelize Sugar in the Baking Pan

   • Grease a baking pan or tin with 1 tablespoon of ghee, spreading it evenly across the base.
   • Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of sugar over the greased surface.
   • Hold the pan over medium heat on the stovetop until the sugar begins to caramelize. This will add a lovely golden crust to the chenna poda.

4. Assemble and Bake

   • Once the sugar is caramelized, turn off the heat.
   • Carefully transfer the prepared chenna mixture into the baking pan, spreading it evenly over the caramelized sugar layer.
   • Gently tap the pan on the counter to settle the mixture.

5. Bake the Chenna Poda

   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
   • Place the baking pan in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   • The top should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.

6. Cool and Serve

   • Once baked, remove the chenna poda from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for about 2 hours.
   • After cooling, hold the pan upside down over a serving plate, and carefully lift off the pan to release the dessert.
   • Cut into slices and serve.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy this delightful dessert with a hot cup of Masala Chai and a side of Whole Moong Dal Vada for a traditional and satisfying Oriya treat!

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

Indulge in the timeless flavors of Odisha with this authentic Chenna Poda recipe! With its perfect balance of sweetness and subtle spice, this dessert is bound to become a favorite.