Makha Sandesh - A Delectable Bengali Sweet Delight

Makha Sandesh - A Delectable Bengali Sweet Delight

 

 Recipe: Makha Sandesh

 

Ingredients:

 

For the Chhena (Paneer):

- 1 liter full-fat milk

- 2 tablespoons lemon juice

 

For the Sandesh:

- Prepared chhena (paneer)

- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)

- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder

- A few saffron strands (optional)

- Chopped pistachios or almonds for garnish

 

Instructions:

 

Step 1: Making Chhena (Paneer)

 

  1. Pour the milk into a heavy-bottomed pan and heat it over medium-high heat.

 

  1. When the milk comes to a boil, add the lemon juice and stir gently. The milk will curdle, separating into curds (chhena) and whey.

 

  1. Remove the pan from heat as soon as curdling occurs. If it doesn't happen, add a little more lemon juice and gently stir.

 

  1. Place a piece of muslin cloth or a clean kitchen towel over a large bowl and strain the curdled milk to separate the whey. Collect the chhena in the cloth.

 

  1. Gather the cloth corners and rinse the chhena under cold running water for a few minutes. This removes the lemony flavor.

 

  1. Squeeze out any excess water from the chhena. Your chhena is now ready.

 

Step 2: Preparing Makha Sandesh

 

  1. Take the prepared chhena in a clean, dry bowl.

 

  1. Add the powdered sugar and cardamom powder to the chhena.

 

  1. Mix and knead the chhena, sugar, and cardamom together for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and soft.

 

  1. If you're using saffron strands, soak them in a teaspoon of warm milk for a few minutes. Then, mix the saffron-infused milk into the chhena mixture for a beautiful golden color and flavor.

 

  1. Divide the chhena mixture into small, equal-sized portions and roll them into smooth balls or shape them into desired molds.

 

Step 3: Garnishing and Serving

 

  1. Garnish each Makha Sandesh with chopped pistachios or almonds for a delightful crunch and visual appeal.

 

  1. Refrigerate the Makha Sandesh for at least an hour to allow them to firm up and enhance the flavors.

 

  1. Serve chilled and savor the exquisite taste of this traditional Bengali sweet.

 

Enjoy your homemade Makha Sandesh, a melt-in-the-mouth sweet treat that's perfect for any occasion!

For best quality ingredients directly from West Bengal, please visit our site:- https://indiacuisine.net

Back to blog