Chhena Jilabi Recipe - Vegetarian Indian Dessert

Chhena Jilabi

Chhena Jilabi Recipe - Vegetarian Indian Dessert
Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 10 | Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Chhena Jilabi
Chhena Jilabi

Chhena Jilabi is a popular Indian sweet dish made with cheese, sugar, and flour. It is a delicious and indulgent dessert that is perfect for special occasions or festivals.

History

Chhena Jilabi has its origins in the state of Odisha in Eastern India. It is a traditional sweet dish that is often made during festivals like Diwali or Raksha Bandhan. The dish has been passed down through generations and is a favorite among many Indian households.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Squeeze the water out of the Cheese.
  2. In a bowl, combine Maida, baking powder, and ghee.
  3. Add the Cheese to the mixture and knead it by hand. Let it rest for half an hour.
  4. Divide the dough into 10 equal parts. Shape each part into a 6 cm long roll and form it into a jilabi shape.
  5. In a separate pot, boil 1 cup of water with Sugar to make a sugar syrup. The syrup should have a medium consistency.
  6. Heat oil in a pan and fry the jilabi over low heat.
  7. Transfer the fried jilabi into the sugar syrup.

Variations

  • Add a pinch of saffron or cardamom powder to the sugar syrup for added flavor.
  • Garnish the jilabi with chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios for a crunchy texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to squeeze out all the water from the cheese before using it in the recipe.

- Knead the dough well to ensure a smooth and pliable texture.

- Fry the jilabi in oil over low heat to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.

- Soak the fried jilabi in the sugar syrup while they are still warm to allow them to absorb the sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

Chhena Jilabi can be served warm or at room temperature. It pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Cooking Techniques

Fry the jilabi in oil over low heat to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.

- Soak the fried jilabi in the sugar syrup while they are still warm to allow them to absorb the sweetness.

Ingredient Substitutions

Cottage cheese can be used as a substitute for cheese in this recipe.

- Whole wheat flour can be used instead of maida for a healthier version of Chhena Jilabi.

Make Ahead Tips

Chhena Jilabi can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chhena Jilabi on a decorative plate garnished with silver foil or edible flowers for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Chhena Jilabi pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Chhena Jilabi in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, microwave for a few seconds or enjoy at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chhena Jilabi contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chhena Jilabi contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chhena Jilabi contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Chhena Jilabi contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Chhena Jilabi is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Chhena Jilabi contains dairy (cheese) and gluten (maida), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Chhena Jilabi is a high-calorie dessert that is rich in carbohydrates and fats. It is best enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat.

Summary

Chhena Jilabi is a delicious and indulgent Indian sweet dish made with cheese, sugar, and flour. It is a popular dessert that is perfect for special occasions or festivals. Enjoy this crispy and sweet treat with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful dessert experience.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Chhena Jilabi. It was given to me by a dear friend who had just returned from a trip to India. She raved about the sweet and decadent dessert, describing it as a cross between a jalebi and a rasgulla. Intrigued by her description, I knew I had to try making it myself.

I have always been passionate about cooking, and over the years, I have collected recipes from various places and people. Each recipe tells a story, a memory of a moment shared with loved ones or a taste of a distant land. The thought of adding Chhena Jilabi to my recipe collection filled me with excitement and anticipation.

I began by gathering the ingredients needed to make the Chhena Jilabi. The recipe called for chhena, sugar, water, cardamom, saffron, and ghee. Chhena is a soft cheese made by curdling milk with lemon juice or vinegar, and it forms the base of the jilabi. The process of making chhena is quite simple, but it requires patience and precision to achieve the right texture.

As I prepared the chhena, memories of my childhood flooded back to me. I remembered watching my grandmother in the kitchen, her hands deftly kneading dough or shaping dumplings. She used to say that cooking is an art that requires love and care, and I have always tried to follow her wisdom in my own culinary adventures.

Once the chhena was ready, I shaped it into small balls and set them aside to drain. Meanwhile, I prepared the sugar syrup flavored with cardamom and saffron. The aroma of the spices filled the kitchen, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. I dipped the chhena balls into the syrup, allowing them to soak up the sweetness and flavor.

The final step was to fry the chhena jilabis in ghee until they turned golden brown and crispy. The sizzling sound of the frying jilabis reminded me of the bustling streets of India, where vendors sell their sweet treats to eager customers. I carefully flipped the jilabis in the hot ghee, ensuring that they cooked evenly on all sides.

As I took the first bite of the freshly made Chhena Jilabi, I was transported to a world of flavors and textures. The soft and creamy chhena melted in my mouth, while the crispy exterior provided a satisfying crunch. The sweetness of the sugar syrup was perfectly balanced by the fragrant cardamom and saffron, creating a harmonious blend of tastes.

I savored each bite of the Chhena Jilabi, relishing the memories it evoked and the new experiences it brought. The recipe had taken me on a journey of discovery and creativity, allowing me to explore a different culture through its flavors and traditions. I knew that this recipe would become a cherished addition to my collection, a reminder of the joy that cooking brings to my life.

As I finished the last bite of the Chhena Jilabi, I felt a sense of contentment and fulfillment. I knew that I would continue to seek out new recipes and culinary adventures, always eager to learn and grow in my passion for cooking. The Chhena Jilabi had opened a door to a world of possibilities, and I was excited to see where it would take me next.

Categories

| Cheese Recipes | Clarified Butter Recipes | East Indian Recipes | Indian Recipes | Orissa Recipes | Orissa Vegetarian | Rose Water Recipes | Simple Syrup Recipes |

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