Chum Chum Sweet

Chum Chum Sweet Recipe - Traditional Pakistani Dessert

Region / culture: Pakistan | Preparation time: several hours | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 10

Introduction

Chum Chum Sweet is a popular Indian dessert that is loved for its soft and spongy texture, as well as its sweet and creamy taste. This delectable sweet is often served at special occasions and festivals, making it a favorite among many.

History

Chum Chum Sweet has its origins in West Bengal, India, where it is a traditional sweet dish that is often prepared during festivals and celebrations. The name "Chum Chum" is derived from the Persian word "chaman," which means garden, reflecting the sweet's colorful and vibrant appearance.

Ingredients

4 liters of milk
1 kg of sugar
10 g of alum (phutkari)
0.5 tsp of saffron
10 almonds
10 pistachio nuts
a few drops of kewra essence

How to prepare

Heat the milk in a deep pan over high heat until it reaches boiling point. Add the alum powder to curdle.
Remove it from the heat quickly to prevent the cheese from becoming hard.
Pour it into a muslin bag or a thin cloth and allow the water to drain.
Press the bag and leave it to drain for several hours.
Add saffron powder to the paneer. Mix it well and shape it into small triangular chum chum.
Boil sugar in 2.5 cups of water to prepare a solution (sugar syrup).
Carefully drop the chum chum into the sugar syrup.
Cook for half an hour over low heat.
Place the chum chum on a plate and create cream circles in the center.
Garnish with sliced pistachio nuts and kewra essence.

Variations

For a fruity twist, add chopped fruits like mango or pineapple to the Chum Chum mixture.
To enhance the flavor, sprinkle cardamom powder or rose water over the Chum Chum before serving.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use full-fat milk to achieve a rich and creamy texture in your Chum Chum Sweet.

- When curdling the milk with alum, be careful not to overheat the milk to prevent the cheese from becoming hard.

- Allow the paneer to drain properly in a muslin bag or cloth to remove excess water and achieve the desired consistency.

- When shaping the Chum Chum, make sure to form them into small triangular shapes for an authentic look.

- Cooking the Chum Chum in sugar syrup over low heat ensures that they absorb the sweetness and become soft and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

Chum Chum Sweet can be served as a dessert after a traditional Indian meal or as a sweet treat during special occasions and celebrations.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for making Chum Chum Sweet include curdling milk with alum, shaping the paneer into small triangles, and cooking them in sugar syrup until soft and flavorful.

Ingredient Substitutions

Alum can be substituted with lemon juice or vinegar for curdling the milk.

- Saffron can be replaced with food coloring or flavor extracts for a different color and taste.

Make Ahead Tips

Chum Chum Sweet can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Simply reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Chum Chum Sweet on a decorative platter and garnish with sliced pistachios and a drizzle of kewra essence for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Chum Chum Sweet pairs well with a hot cup of chai (Indian tea) or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Chum Chum Sweet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chum Chum Sweet contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chum Chum Sweet contains approximately 30g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chum Chum Sweet contains approximately 5g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Chum Chum Sweet contains approximately 3g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Chum Chum Sweet is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin D.

Alergens

Chum Chum Sweet contains dairy (milk) and nuts (almonds, pistachios), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Chum Chum Sweet is a delicious dessert that is moderate in carbohydrates and fats, making it a sweet treat that can be enjoyed in moderation.

Summary

Chum Chum Sweet is a delightful Indian dessert that is loved for its soft and spongy texture, as well as its sweet and creamy taste. With a few simple ingredients and cooking techniques, you can create this delectable sweet at home and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. Enjoy this traditional sweet dish during special occasions and celebrations for a truly memorable dining experience.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a treasured one. It was many years ago when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the secrets of cooking from my grandmother. She was a formidable woman, with a vast knowledge of traditional recipes passed down through generations. One day, as we were flipping through an old recipe book together, she came across a recipe for Chum Chum Sweet.

I had never heard of this dessert before, but my grandmother's eyes lit up as she read the ingredients and instructions. She explained to me that Chum Chum Sweet was a popular Bengali delicacy, made from chenna (Indian cottage cheese) and sugar syrup. I was intrigued and eager to learn how to make it.

My grandmother guided me through the process, teaching me how to make the chenna from scratch by curdling milk with lemon juice. She showed me how to knead the chenna until it was smooth and creamy, and then shape it into small cylindrical pieces.

As we cooked the chenna pieces in a sugar syrup flavored with cardamom and saffron, the kitchen filled with a sweet, aromatic scent that made my mouth water. I watched with fascination as the chum chum pieces soaked up the syrup and turned a beautiful golden color.

When the Chum Chum Sweet was finally ready, my grandmother placed a piece on a plate and handed it to me. I took a bite and was instantly transported to a world of sweetness and delight. The creamy texture of the chenna contrasted perfectly with the syrupy sweetness, and the hint of cardamom and saffron added a touch of exotic flavor.

From that day on, Chum Chum Sweet became a special treat in our household. Whenever there was a celebration or a festive occasion, I would make a batch of Chum Chum Sweet to share with family and friends. The recipe became a part of my culinary repertoire, and I found joy in making it again and again.

Over the years, I have experimented with different variations of the recipe, adding my own twist with ingredients like rose water or pistachios. Each time I make Chum Chum Sweet, I am reminded of that day in my grandmother's kitchen, when she passed down the knowledge of this delicious dessert to me.

Now, as I grow older and pass on my own recipes to the next generation, I make sure to include the recipe for Chum Chum Sweet in my collection. It is a reminder of the bond I shared with my grandmother, and the joy of discovering a new culinary delight together.

As I sit here, writing down the story of how I learned to make Chum Chum Sweet, I can't help but smile at the memories that come flooding back. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with my heritage and create lasting memories with loved ones. And for that, I am truly grateful.