Introduction:

Cham Cham is a delectable Bengali sweet made from paneer, also known as Indian cottage cheese. This melt-in-the-mouth sweet is soaked in a flavorful sugar syrup, making it a delightful treat for any occasion. Follow this easy recipe to recreate the authentic taste of Cham Cham at home.

Ingredients:

For the Cham Cham:

• 2 cups grated paneer
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (maida)
• 1 liter milk
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
• 2 cups water

For the Filling (optional):

• 1/2 cup khoya (reduced milk)
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• A handful of chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachios)

For the Sugar Syrup:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cham Cham:

• In a heavy-bottomed pan, bring the milk to a boil.
• Add grated paneer and all-purpose flour to the boiling milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
• Cook until the mixture thickens and starts leaving the sides of the pan.
• Add sugar, cardamom powder, and saffron strands. Mix well.
• Continue cooking until the mixture forms a soft dough-like consistency.
• Remove from heat and allow it to cool.

2. Prepare the Filling (optional):

• Mix khoya, powdered sugar, and chopped nuts in a bowl. This filling adds an extra layer of richness to the Cham Cham.

3. Shape the Cham Cham:

• Take small portions of the paneer mixture and shape them into cylindrical or oval shapes.
• If using the filling, make a small dent in the center of each Cham Cham and stuff it with the khoya and nut mixture.

4. Prepare the Sugar Syrup:

• In a separate pan, combine sugar, water, and cardamom powder to make the sugar syrup.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then let it simmer until the syrup thickens slightly.

5. Soak the Cham Cham:

• Gently place the shaped Cham Cham into the simmering sugar syrup.
• Cook on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even soaking.

6. Cool and Serve:

• Once the Cham Cham absorbs the syrup and becomes spongy, remove them from the heat.
• Allow them to cool before serving.

7. Garnish (optional):

• Garnish with additional chopped nuts or a sprinkle of saffron strands for an appealing presentation.

Conclusion:

Your delightful Cham Cham sweets are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them at room temperature and savor the authentic flavors of this classic Bengali sweet.

Feel free to experiment with variations and share your unique twists on this traditional recipe. Don’t forget to capture some enticing images to accompany your blog post and make it even more engaging for your readers. Enjoy the sweet journey of making and relishing Cham Cham!

Frequency Asked Questions (FAQ):