Chhena Poda (Traditional Odia Caramelized Cheese Dessert)

Ingredients

• 1.5 liters Full-Fat Milk (fresh, whole milk (3.5% fat or higher))
• 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
• 200 grams Powdered Sugar (or substitute with 150 g grated jaggery for a richer flavor)
• 1 teaspoon Cardamom Powder (freshly ground for best aroma)
• 2 tablespoons Fine Semolina (Sooji) (helps set the texture)
• 2 tablespoons Cashew Nuts (chopped, optional but adds crunch)
• 2 tablespoons Ghee (for greasing the baking dish)

Instructions

1. Boil the Milk

   Pour the full‑fat milk into a heavy‑bottomed pot and bring to a rolling boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.

   Time: PT8M

   Temperature: Medium heat

2. Curdle the Milk

   When the milk boils, add the lemon juice (or vinegar) gradually while stirring. The milk will separate into curds and whey within a minute.

   Time: PT2M

3. Strain the Curds

   Turn off the heat immediately, then pour the curdled mixture through a muslin cloth placed in a strainer to separate the whey.

   Time: PT3M

4. Gather and Lightly Squeeze

   Gather the muslin cloth corners and gently squeeze to remove excess whey, leaving the chhena slightly moist.

   Time: PT2M

5. Transfer to Mixing Bowl

   Transfer the soft chhena into a clean mixing bowl and break it up with a spatula to a crumbly consistency.

   Time: PT1M

6. Add Sweeteners and Flavorings

   Add powdered sugar (or grated jaggery), cardamom powder, fine semolina, and chopped cashews to the chhena. Mix thoroughly until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly glossy.

   Time: PT5M

7. Prepare the Baking Dish

   Grease the 8‑inch baking dish with ghee, spreading it evenly with a brush.

   Time: PT2M

8. Preheat the Air Fryer

   Set the air fryer to 160°C (320°F) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 160°C

9. Bake the Chhena Poda

   Pour the chhena mixture into the greased dish, smooth the top, and place it in the air fryer basket. Bake at 160°C for 40‑45 minutes until the top turns deep golden‑brown and slightly caramelized.

   Time: PT45M

   Temperature: 160°C

10. Cool and Serve

    Remove the dish from the air fryer and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Slice into wedges and serve warm or at room temperature.

    Time: PT15M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

250

Protein

6 g

Carbohydrates

30 g

Fat

12 g

Fiber

0.5 g