Steam Oven Recipe: Steamed Cottage Cheese Sweet

 

Steam Oven Recipe: Steamed Cottage Cheese Sweet

Steam Oven Recipe: Steamed Cottage Cheese Sweet (Chenna Poda Inspired)

This recipe offers a lighter, steamed version of the popular Indian dessert, Chenna Poda (burnt cottage cheese). It retains the delicious caramelised sweetness and soft, slightly grainy texture, but without the intense browning, making it a delicate and wholesome treat.

Yields: 4-6 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 30-40 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 500g (about 2 cups) fresh full-fat cottage cheese (paneer can also be used, crumbled)
  • 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp semolina (sooji)
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (maida)
  • 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
  • 2 tbsp chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios - optional)
  • 1 tbsp raisins (optional)
  • 1 tbsp milk (if needed, to adjust consistency)

Equipment:

  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula
  • Small oven-safe dish or ramekins
  • Steam oven or steamer basket with a lid

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Cottage Cheese Mixture:
    • If using block paneer, crumble it well with your hands or a fork until it resembles cottage cheese.
    • In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, sugar, semolina, flour, and ground cardamom.
    • Mix everything thoroughly with a spatula until the sugar is well incorporated and a smooth, slightly thick batter forms. Avoid over mixing.
    • If the mixture seems too thick, add 1 tablespoon of milk to loosen it slightly.
    • Gently fold in the chopped nuts and raisins, if using.
  2. Prepare for Steaming:
    • Lightly grease your oven-safe dish or ramekins.
    • Pour the cottage cheese mixture into the prepared dish(es).
  3. Steam the Sweet:
    • Steam Oven: Preheat your steam oven to 100°C (212°F) using the steam setting. Place the dish(es) inside and steam for 30-40 minutes, or until the sweet is set and slightly firm to the touch. The colour will be a pale golden hue.
    • Steamer Basket: Fill a pot with about 2 inches of water and bring it to a boil. Place the dish(es) in a steamer basket that fits over the pot, ensuring the water doesn't touch the bottom of the basket. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and steam for 35-45 minutes, or until set.
  4. Cool and Serve:
    • Once cooked, carefully remove the dish(es) from the steam oven or steamer.
    • Let the steamed cottage cheese sweet cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This will help it firm up further.
    • Cut into slices or serve directly from the ramekins.

Tips for Success:

  • Fresh Cottage Cheese: Using fresh, good-quality cottage cheese will result in the best texture.
  • Don't Over mix: Over-mixing can make the sweet dense. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Adjust Sweetness: You can adjust the amount of sugar according to your preference.
  • Flavour Variations: Experiment with other flavourings like a pinch of nutmeg or saffron strands soaked in a little warm milk.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve chilled on its own or with a drizzle of honey or a side of fresh fruit.

A Gentle Sweetness:

This Steamed Cottage Cheese Sweet offers a lighter and more delicate take on a traditional favourite. The steaming process imparts a wonderfully soft and moist texture, while the sweetness and cardamom provide a comforting warmth. It's a simple yet satisfying dessert that's easy to digest and perfect for those who prefer a less intensely browned sweet treat.

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