Chanar Payesh (Paneer Kheer / Pudding - Bengali Dessert)

 

          Chanar Payesh is a very popular Bengali sweet dish made of milk and crumbled paneer. Chana means paneer / cottage cheese and payesh refers to kheer / pudding. It is very easy and simple to prepare. So impress your loved ones with this delectable homemade dessert. 

          Sometimes, instead of crumbling the paneer, it is shaped into balls or squares before dropping them into the thickened milk. The consistency of this dessert can be adjusted to your preference. Just garnish with some chopped pistachio, dry rose petals and few strands of saffron and enjoy it chilled. It is pure divine.  

          

          This Bong style dessert is traditionally made with homemade chana or paneer, but I went in for a quick method and used some Amul paneer instead. It did turn out very yummy. This has remained purely a homemade sweet and is not much found in sweet shops.

          The quantity of the paneer may be increased if you wish. It is a great party recipe and can also be enjoyed as an after meal dessert, during festivals or any special occasions. 

• 3 cups full fat milk 
• 1 cup paneer, crumbled / grated
• sugar to taste 
• 1/4 tsp. cardamom powder
• 1 tsp. rose water
• 2 tbsp. chopped pistachios
• pinch of dry rose petals 
• few saffron strands

          In a thick bottomed saucepan, bring the milk to a boil and simmer, stirring at intervals, till it is reduced to half. 

          Add sugar, cardamom powder and chopped pistachios (reserving few for garnishing).  Simmer till the sugar is dissolved. 

          Then add the paneer and mix well. Simmer further till it comes to a boil. Switch off the flame and add the rose water.

          Allow it to cool down before refrigerating it till serving time. Garnish with the remaining chopped pistachios, dry rose petals and saffron. Enjoy !!!

Herbed / Spiced / Masala Paneer

          Paneer (Cottage Cheese) is very commonly used in many Indian cuisine. Homemade paneer is the best option as it is inexpensive and easy to prepare. So how about turning plain paneer into a herbed and spiced variety? They come out just awesome, appetizing and visually appealing too. You can slightly pan fry them and enjoy as an appetizer with a sprinkle of your favorite seasoning. It can also be added to salad or can be made into your favorite curry for the main course. 

• 1 litre full fat milk
• 2 tbsp. lemon juice diluted with 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 tsp. salt 
• 1 tsp. flax seeds
• 1 tsp. cumin seeds
• 1 tsp. red chili flakes 
• 2 tbsp. coriander leaves, chopped

          Bring the milk to a boil. Add all the spices and herbs to it. Then gently pour the diluted lemon water, little at a time, and keep stirring till the milk begins to curdle. 

          Switch off the flame and keep it covered for 2-3 minutes. Pour the curdled milk in a colander, lined with a muslin cloth. (Keep a bowl underneath to collect the whey).

          Add plain water to remove the smell of lemon from it. Then bring all the edges of the cloth together and gently squeeze to remove any excess whey. 

          Keep some weight on the paneer bundle and refrigerate for 1-2 hours. Remove the paneer from the muslin cloth. Transfer to a plate and cut into cubes. 

          Sprinkle your favorite seasoning and enjoy as an appetizer, just as it is or pan fried. It can also be added to salads or can be made into your favorite curry for the main course. 

Paneer Pudding

           How about some sweet indulgence? So let me share a yummy pudding made of paneer / cottage cheese. I have made use of store bought Amul Paneer but you can always go in for homemade ones. It is super easy and simple to make and is a perfect after-meal dessert. So go ahead and give it a try. You can also add some caramel for flavour and colour.

• 200 gms. Amul Paneer 
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1 & 1/2 cups evaporated / thickened milk
• 1 full egg 
• 3 egg yolks
• pinch of cardamom powder
• 1 tsp. rose / kewra powder
• pinch of salt
• 1 tsp. evaporated milk to drizzle (opt)
• tutty fruity / chopped nuts to garnish

          Blend the paneer, milk, rose water and cardamom powder. Beat the eggs and sugar separately and combine with the paneer mix.

          Pass it through a strainer and pour into a greased pudding bowl. Place in a pan filled with water and cover with a tight lid. Steam for 25-30 minutes on a low flame. 

          Let it come to room temperature before refrigerating it for 3-4 hours. Pass a knife around the edges and demould it on a serving plate. 

          Drizzle some evaporated milk and garnish as desired. Serve as an after meal dessert or enjoy whenever desired.