Today I am going to share an Indian sweet recipe which is easy to make, needs very few ingredients, and takes less then 30 minutes
Sondesh or Sandesh is a Bengali dessert which is quite popular. We use freshest of paneer and here, we are not using any sugar. This is quite healthy because other than mango, paneer, and a few nuts, this recipe does not require any other ingredients.
The texture is just melt-in-the-mouth and subtle in taste. Try it for yourself.
Ingredients--
Milk-1 litre(you need 1 cup of chena so use milk according to your milk quality)Always use whole milk to make chena.
Vinegar or lemon juice -2 tablespoons
Mango pulp -1 cup
Pistachio- for garnishing.
If you are using canned mango pulp then don't use Sugar .
Powdered Sugar -⅓ cup(depends on your taste)
MAKING OF PANEER--
Bring milk to a boil.
Add lemon juice or vinegar.
Milk will curdle and whey will be separated.
Take a vessel and put a strainer on the top. Cover strainer with cheese cloth or muslin cloth.
Strain all the paneer in cheese cloth or muslin cloth.
Pour a few cups of water over paneer to remove the sourness.
Squeeze it a few times so that the excess liquid is removed.
Keep it in this position for around 30 minutes.
Don't let it dry.
Making of Sondesh-
Place all paneer/chena in a wide, large plate.
Knead it with your palm for 8 to 10 minutes.
It will feel like a soft dough and will release some oil .
If you are using Powdered sugar ,add now.Mix it nicely with Chena. (Don't use normal sugar crystals )
Mix all the mango pulp with the paneer.
Your mixture will be of a gooey consistency.
Take a non-stick pan. On a medium flame, mix the mixture for 8-10 minutes.
Keep stirring it without any interruption and you will see that it will thicken and form the shape of a dough ball.
Remove from the gas stove and let it cool down for a bit.
When it's still slightly warm, roll it in to the shape of a small dough ball and make it like a Peda/Sondesh.
If you have a Sondesh mould you can use it. Otherwise, leave it plain.
Garnish with pistachios and keep it in the fridge for chilling.
Serve chilled.
Trouble shooting-
1- If your dough is not coming into the shape of a ball mix 1 spoon of all purpose flour and saute it in a nonstick pan.
2- While making paneer, if the whey is not separating, use a little extra vinegar or lemon juice mixed with a few spoons of water.
Notes-1.If you want to use sugar ,you can use it . Use only powdered sugar . You can increase or decrease the quantity depending on your taste.
2.Many people use fresh mango pulp/Puree.You need to blend mango into a grinder or blender to get the smooth consistency.
3.If you are using canned mango puree ,please taste it first before adding sugar .(It has some sugar in it )
Love the recipe. I don't use non stick pans. Can I use a tsp of ghee in a stainless steel pan to cook the mixture?
Yes .
You can do that . Non stick pans are just easy to handle . That's it .
Steel Pan are absolutele fine ,but keep the flame low and continously stir it . Dont let it brown .
Please let me know ,if yu have any other questin.
thanks.
Go ahead and use Ghee in that ,it will help you in binding as well.