Chena Kheer Recipe
Chena kheer, also known as chena kheer or chena payasam, is a traditional Indian dessert hailing from the rich culinary heritage of Bengal. This creamy and indulgent sweet treat is made using freshly prepared chena (also known as paneer or cottage cheese), milk, sugar, and flavoured with aromatic cardamom and saffron. With its rich texture and delicate flavours, chena kheer is often served during festive occasions, celebrations, and family gatherings. Follow this detailed recipe to create your own heavenly bowl of chena kheer that will delight your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
Ingredients of Chena Kheer :
1 liter full-fat milk
1/2 lemon
1 cup sugar (adjust according to taste)
1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
A pinch of saffron strands
2 tablespoons chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachios)
1 tablespoon raisins
A few strands of saffron (optional)
Rose petals for garnish (optional)
Instructions of Chena Kheer :
Prepare Chena (Cottage Cheese):
Pour the milk into a pan and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat.
Meanwhile, cut the lemon in half and squeeze out its juice into a bowl.
Once the milk comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and gradually add the lemon juice while stirring continuously.
As you add the lemon juice, you’ll notice the milk beginning to curdle. Continue stirring until the milk solids separate from the whey, forming small curds.
Turn off the heat and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the curds to settle.
Strain and Rinse:
Line a large strainer or colander with a clean muslin cloth or cheesecloth.
Carefully pour the curdled milk through the cloth to strain out the whey. The solid curds remaining in the cloth are the chena (cottage cheese).
Rinse the chena under cold running water to remove any traces of lemon juice.
Prepare the Kheer Base:
In a separate heavy-bottomed pan, pour the milk and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from sticking to the bottom of the pan and forming a skin.
Once the milk reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Add Chena and sweetner:
Add sugar or condensed milk as you like you use to the mixture and stir well until it dissolves completely.
Continue to simmer the kheer over low heat, stirring occasionally, for another 40-45 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Flavours and Garnish:
Crush the saffron strands between your fingers and add them to the kheer, along with cardamom powder. Stir well to infuse the flavours .Add chopped nuts and raisins to the kheer, reserving some for garnish.
Let the kheer simmer for another 7-19 minutes to allow the flavours to meld together.
Serve Chilled or Warm:
Once the kheer reaches your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool completely. You can serve chena kheer warm or chilled, depending on your preference but mostly it serves chilled because in chilled its taste goes to the next level. Garnish with reserved nuts, raisins, saffron strands, and rose petals for an elegant touch.
Enjoy!
Spoon the creamy chena kheer into serving bowls and relish the divine flavours of this traditional Indian dessert.
Serve it as a delightful finale to any meal or as a sweet treat during festive gatherings and special occasions.
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days and reheat before serving, if desired.
Conclusion:
Indulge in the heavenly goodness of chena kheer with this authentic recipe that captures the essence of Indian culinary traditions. Whether enjoyed warm or chilled, this creamy and aromatic dessert is sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. With its rich flavours and luxurious texture, chena kheer is the perfect finale to any meal or celebration, spreading joy and sweetness to all who partake in its decadence.
