Chena Poda
Chena Poda is a traditional sweet from Odisha, India. It is made with homemade cottage cheese, sugar, and a few other ingredients. The cottage cheese is kneaded and mixed with semolina, powdered sugar, cardamom powder, and chopped raisins and cashew nuts. The mixture is then baked in an oven until it develops a golden-brown crust. Chena Poda has a caramelized flavor and a creamy texture. It is often served as a dessert during celebrations and special occasions in Odisha.
Ingredients
- 1½ cup homemade cottage cheese (chena)
- 1 tablespoon suji/semolina
- 1½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoon chopped raisins
- 2 tablespoon chopped cashew nuts
- 1 tablespoon chopped pistachios (optional)
- 1 tablespoon powdered cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (optional)
- Ghee or butter for greasing
Instructions
- Take the homemade chena (cottage cheese) in a flat plate and knead it with your palm until it becomes soft.
- Add suji (semolina), powdered sugar, and powdered cardamom to the kneaded chena. Mix them well. The mixture will become moist and smooth.
- Add the chopped raisins, cashew nuts, and pistachios (if using), and mix again.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking tray with ghee and dust it with brown sugar.
- Optionally, add baking powder to the chena mixture and mix well. Transfer the mixture to the greased baking tray, spreading it evenly. Flatten the surface with a knife or spatula.
- Bake for 30 minutes at 400°F (200°C). The chena will rise like a cake.
- Grease a piece of aluminum foil with butter and cover the baking tray. Continue baking at 200°F (100°C) for 20 minutes. Be cautious as the baking tray will be hot.
- To check if it's done, insert a toothpick or knife into the center of the baked chena. If it comes out clean, the Chena Poda is ready. If not, bake it for a little longer.
- Allow it to cool, then transfer it to a plate and cut into slices. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
The calorie content of Chena Poda can vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used. However, here is a general estimate of the calorie count for Chena Poda based on the typical ingredients used in the recipe:
- Homemade cottage cheese (1.5 cups): Approximately 315 calories
- Semolina (1 tablespoon): Approximately 30 calories
- Powdered sugar (1.5 cups): Approximately 720 calories
- Raisins (2 tablespoons): Approximately 60 calories
- Cashew nuts (2 tablespoons): Approximately 160 calories
- Ghee/butter (for greasing): Calorie content depends on the amount used and can vary significantly.