Today, I will share a sweet Indian recipe that is easy to make, needs few ingredients, and takes less then 30 minutes. Sondesh or Sandesh is a Bengali dessert which is quite popular. We use the freshest paneer, and we do not use any sugar here. This is relatively 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 with a light sweetness. Try it for yourself.
Ingredients–
Milk: 1.5 liters (2 cups of homemade fresh chena, so use milk according to your quality). Always use whole milk to make chena. Vinegar or lemon juice -2 tablespoons Mango pulp -2 cups Pistachio- for garnishing. If you are using canned mango pulp, then don’t use Sugar. Powdered Sugar - 3 tbsp (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. With the help of a cheesecloth, strain the paneer. Squeeze it a few times so that the excess liquid is removed. Hang it in this position for 20 minutes to remove all the excess whey. Don’t let it dry.
Making of Sondesh-
Place all Paneer/Chena on 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 it now. Mix it nicely with Chena. (Don’t use regular sugar crystals ) Mix all the mango pulp with the paneer/chena. 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 interruption, and it will thicken and form the shape of a dough ball. Remove from the gas stove and let it cool down for a bit. Roll it into a small dough ball and shape it into a Peda/Sondesh when it’s still slightly warm. If you have a Sondesh mold, you can use it. Otherwise, leave it plain. Garnish with pistachios and keep it in the fridge for chilling. Serve chilled.
Troubleshooting-
1—If your dough is not coming together into a ball, mix one 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. You can use sugar. Use only powdered sugar. You can increase or decrease the quantity depending on your taste. 2. Many people use fresh mango pulp or puree. For a smooth consistency, it is best to blend the mango in a grinder or blender. 3. If you are using canned mango puree, it will be sweet enough without adding sugar. Skip the sugar in that case.
