#bengalisweet

[nischithdelicacies]

Bengali Sandesh: A Sweet Story of Tradition and Taste

Bengali Sandesh (or "Sondesh") is not just a dessert—it’s a piece of history, a culinary tradition, and a symbol of Bengali culture. Made from simple ingredients, this delicacy captures the hearts of food lovers with its rich, melt-in-the-mouth texture and delicate sweetness. Today, let’s explore what makes Sandesh so special, how it’s prepared, and the unique flavors that keep people coming back for more.

A Little History of Sandesh

The origin of Sandesh can be traced back to 18th-century Bengal, where it began as a simple sweet made from sugar and chhena (fresh cottage cheese). This was a time when sugar was newly introduced in the region, and Bengali sweetmakers eagerly experimented with it. Over the years, the art of making Sandesh evolved, with many variations emerging to cater to diverse tastes and festive occasions.

In the early days, the dessert had a relatively simple form, but as Bengali confectioners became more skilled, they began crafting elaborate designs, flavors, and presentations. Sandesh soon became a symbol of celebration, often enjoyed during festivals, weddings, and religious ceremonies. Even today, it remains an integral part of Bengali culture, a treat you’ll find at sweet shops, family gatherings, and celebrations across Bengal.

The Art of Making Sandesh

Making Sandesh is truly an art, as it requires precision, patience, and the finest quality ingredients. The base of Sandesh is chhena, the fresh cheese made by curdling milk with a bit of lime juice or vinegar. Unlike paneer, chhena is softer, which gives Sandesh its smooth, creamy texture.

Here’s a brief outline of how Sandesh is traditionally prepared:

Preparing the Chhena: Full-fat milk is boiled and curdled with lemon juice or vinegar. Once the whey is drained, what remains is soft, crumbly chhena, perfect for Sandesh.

Mixing with Sugar: The chhena is kneaded to a smooth consistency, then combined with sugar or jaggery for sweetness. This mixture is gently cooked on low heat, being stirred continuously to achieve the right texture—soft, smooth, and slightly grainy.

Shaping and Garnishing: After cooking, the Sandesh mixture is molded into different shapes—rounds, squares, or creative floral designs. Traditional molds may also be used, giving Sandesh beautiful embossed patterns. Many variations are garnished with slivers of pistachio, almond, saffron, or a touch of cardamom powder.

Types and Flavors of Sandesh

Sandesh comes in an array of flavors, and Bengali sweetmakers have a knack for experimenting with both traditional and contemporary twists. Some popular varieties include:

Plain Sandesh: This is the simplest form, with pure chhena and sugar as the main ingredients.

Kacha Golla Sandesh: Soft and crumbly, this type is made without cooking the chhena extensively, keeping it light and fresh.

Gur (Jaggery) Sandesh: A winter specialty, this Sandesh uses date palm jaggery, or "nolen gur," which gives it a unique caramel-like flavor and beautiful golden color.

Chocolate Sandesh: A modern twist on the classic, this version incorporates cocoa powder or melted chocolate for a fusion treat.

Bhapa Sandesh: This steamed version is slightly firmer and often flavored with cardamom or saffron, resulting in a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Fruit-flavored Sandesh: Some variations feature fruit purees like mango or pineapple, giving the Sandesh a light, fruity taste.

Nutritional Benefits of Sandesh

Though Sandesh is a dessert, it offers some nutritional benefits too. Chhena, being a good source of protein, calcium, and essential amino acids, makes Sandesh a somewhat healthier dessert option compared to others. The dessert is generally lower in fat and sugar, particularly when traditional sweeteners like jaggery are used. The addition of nuts like pistachios and almonds further enhances its nutritional profile, providing healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Sandesh in Festivals and Celebrations

In Bengal, Sandesh is a must-have during festivals like Durga Puja, Diwali, and weddings. It’s also common to see Sandesh gifted as a token of love, respect, and celebration. Many families in Bengal have their own treasured Sandesh recipes passed down through generations, adding a touch of nostalgia and heritage to each bite.

How to Enjoy Sandesh

If you’re new to Sandesh, try starting with a plain or jaggery variety to get a taste of its authentic flavors. Pair it with a cup of tea or coffee for a classic experience, or try it with a glass of lassi or sweetened yogurt for a refreshing combination.

For those with a culinary interest, making Sandesh at home can be a rewarding experience, as it allows you to experiment with flavors, fillings, and garnishes. Whether you choose a simple plain version or a more complex flavored one, you’ll experience the joy of crafting a Bengali sweet that’s been cherished for centuries.

The Lasting Charm of Sandesh

With its rich history, versatile flavors, and delicate sweetness, Sandesh is more than just a dessert; it’s a cultural icon that continues to hold a special place in Bengali hearts. Each bite offers a blend of tradition, art, and the distinct taste of Bengal’s culinary heritage.

So, the next time you come across this delightful sweet, remember that Sandesh is not just a treat but a testament to the rich history and love of sweets that Bengali culture celebrates.

[daulatsweets]

[asthakitchen]

🌟 Delicious Chamcham Recipe! 🌟 Join us as we whip up the traditional Bengali sweet, Chamcham! This soft, spongy delight made from fresh chhena (paneer) is soaked in sweet syrup, making it a must-try dessert for any occasion. What You'll Learn: How to make fresh chhena at home The perfect technique to shape and cook Chamcham Tips for garnishing and serving Ingredients Needed: Fresh chhena (paneer) Sugar Water Cardamom Coconut (for garnish) Why You'll Love It: Chamcham is not just a treat; it’s a celebration of Bengali culture, perfect for festivals, family gatherings, or simply indulging your sweet tooth. With its irresistible taste and beautiful presentation, it’s sure to impress everyone! Watch the video for step-by-step instructions and bring a piece of Bengal into your kitchen! Don’t forget to like, share, and comment below with your thoughts! 🍬✨ Let’s get started! ✨🍬 🌟 स्वादिष्ट चमचम रेसिपी! 🌟 हमारे साथ जुड़ें और बनाएं पारंपरिक बंगाली मिठाई, चमचम! यह नरम और स्पंजी मिठाई ताज़ा छेना (पनीर) से बनाई जाती है और मीठी चाशनी में भिगोई जाती है, जो इसे किसी भी अवसर के लिए एक बेहतरीन डेसर्ट बनाती है। आप क्या सीखेंगे: घर पर ताज़ा छेना कैसे बनाएं चमचम को आकार देने और पकाने की सही तकनीक सजाने और परोसने के टिप्स आवश्यक सामग्री: ताजा छेना (पनीर) चीनी पानी इलायची नारियल (सजावट के लिए) आपको यह क्यों पसंद आएगा: चमचम केवल एक मिठाई नहीं है; यह बंगाली संस्कृति का उत्सव है, त्योहारों, पारिवारिक समारोहों, या बस मीठा आनंद लेने के लिए बिल्कुल सही। इसके अप्रतिरोध्य स्वाद और खूबसूरत प्रस्तुति से यह सभी को प्रभावित करेगा! स्टेप-बाय-स्टेप निर्देशों के लिए वीडियो देखें और अपने किचन में बंगाल का एक टुकड़ा लाएं! पसंद करें, शेयर करें, और नीचे अपनी राय कमेंट करना न भूलें! 🍬✨ चलें शुरू करते हैं! ✨🍬

[kheerkadam]

♡roshogolla♡

first post!

To start off my blog, I have decided to post a recipe of a dessert that reminds many Bengalis of home: roshogolla. Roshogolla is a very simple and delicious dessert that everyone loves. It is made up of chana, or milk solids, and is rolled into mini balls that are soaked in an aromatic sugar syrup. I love using elachi (cardamom in Bengali) as it is my favorite spice for Bengali desserts.

Roshogolla is made up of two components; rosh means syrup and golla refers to its round shape. This sweet was one of the earliest desserts made in Kolkata, India which is where my parents are from. It may sound difficult, however, roshogolla is a fool-proof recipe that anyone is capable of making :)

I first made roshogolla at home during the pandemic in 2020. At the time, I had a recipe notebook where I would write down my recipes. I have not invented any of these desserts, but I have put my own twist on them in the hope of making them healthier.

Since many Bengali desserts use chana, I wrote the instructions on how to make the chana dough on other pages.

As the recipe states, chana is created by adding an acid such as lemon juice/vinegar to boiling milk to separate the solids from the liquids. This part of making roshogolla is also a science lesson, which was very fun and interesting to see. After the chana is completely strained, it will be separated and chunky. However, if you knead this dough for about 10 minutes, it will come together and turn into a smooth dough. After I kneaded the dough, I rolled it into multiple small balls using the palms of my hands. You can make these into whatever size you want, but I decided to make them smaller to reduce the portion size.

I even ate some of the dough when my mom was preoccupied with something else.

Fun fact: you can actually make homemade cream cheese with this method. If you add the chana to a blender and add some of the whey (the remaining liquid from the milk), you can make a delicious cream cheese to spread on your bagels.

Now that the roshogolla balls are complete, you can begin making your sugar syrup. The ratio of sugar to water (in cups) is 1:3. This syrup is supposed to be thin so the roshogollas can soak up the liquid. I actually added even less than a cup of sugar to make it healthier. After you let the sugar and water simmer, you can add some whole cardamoms and saffron strands to the syrup to bring in some traditional flavors and add a natural yellow color to the dessert. If you don't have cardamom, you can omit it, however, I would definitely recommend it if you can get your hands on it. Saffron is a spice derived from a rare type of flower: Crocus sativus. Saffron has tremendous health benefits such as its suppliance of antioxidants and release of a natural yellow food coloring. However, saffron is also known to be incredibly expensive, so a great substitute for this would be safflower. Safflower also comes from a plant and has a similar ability to color food. Its aroma is slightly mellower than the original saffron, however, it is a much cheaper option that adapts to the budgets people may have.

After a few minutes, you can add in the chana balls.

Let it simmer for five minutes, then turn off the gas, close the lid, and wait for 20 minutes. Make sure your lid has a small hole in it so the steam is not trapped along the edge of the lid.

Finally, you can remove the lid and serve the roshogollas with some syrup hot/cold. Add some crushed pistachios if you wish. Something I find interesting about roshogolla is that it is enjoyable when it is hot because it melts in your mouth and allows you to taste the spice of cardamom. Whereas, when you leave it to chill in the fridge/freezer, the roshogolla becomes ice-cold, which feels refreshing and spongy (in a good way I promise!). The versatility of this dish is incredible and the sweetness can overcome any sadness in an instant.

I had lots of fun making this Bengali dessert and hope to post many more on this blog. Now that you're influenced, please make this mouthwatering dessert and give it a try. :)

[poojapatilf5]

Try Authentic Bengali Snacks Online| Mukharochak

Craving for authentic Bengali snacks? Look no further! Our online store offers a variety of delicious namkeens perfect for tea-time or any occasion, our snacks will satisfy your taste buds. Experience the flavors of Bengal delivered to your doorstep. Order now!

[greenjaydeep]

হাবড়া যাব দই খাব না তাই কখনও হয়? #mishtidoi #caramelisedcurd #sweetcurd #bengalisweets #bakedkachagola #kanchagolla #sweets #bengalisweets #sweetlovers #hometowntales #motog825gshot (at Maa Manasha Sweets) https://www.instagram.com/p/CoaTmQ9P2Zv/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[foodfunfantasy]

If you visit Sonajhuri Haat, Shantinikatan don’t miss these two delicacies 😋😋😋 In Frame: Doi and Rabri ❤️❤️❤️ . . . #food #doi #rabri #bengalisweets #sweetlovers #yummy (at Sonajhuri Forest, Shantiniketan) https://www.instagram.com/p/CnHvDgRPmRi/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[rajwadi16]

Indulge in the sweet and spongy goodness of Rasgulla at Rajwadi Gaurav Restaurant. Our authentic recipe will leave you craving more!

Website - https://rajwadigauravrestaurant.com/

#rasgulla #indiansweets #bengalisweets #sweetslover #desserttime #sweettooth #indianfood #indiandesserts #traditionalfood #foodie #foodphotography #foodgasm #foodstagram #yum #delicious #homemadesweets #sugarhigh #sweettreats #foodbloggers #foodlovers #rajwadi #rajwadigaurav

[homemadefood]

Satisfy your Sweet Tooth with Fresh, Homemade Delicacies from Nanighar

Bengal is known for it’s rich culture in sweets. Anyone visiting Bengal associates it with Roshogolla and there is absolutely no one in Bengal that hasn’t experienced a mouth full of Rajbhog during Pujo. Going to your nearest sweet shop and buying your favorite mishti(s) has got to be one of the most fun childhood memories.

Read More

But during these trying times of a global pandemic, as a precautionary measure, we don’t even want to go out to grab those juicy and warm Jalebis, and mouth watering Gulab Jamuns. So what do we do about our inherent sweet cravings sitting at home? Nanighar has just the solution!

Download the Nanighar App and browse through your preferred sweets and pre order your favorites. Everything available in Nanighar is home made in the safety of a mother’s kitchen, straight to your doorstep, hence even better than getting the sweets from a local shop! Our #momchefs provide you with the best and safest dishes that are all home cooked and fresh. Preservatives and additives free, these dishes are all packed with a mother’s love and care and the richness of deliciousness. So Pre Order your #GharSeDilTak meal now and satisfy your sweet cravings daily with no worries!

#TastyFoodMadeAtHome #100momchefsandgrowing #MaaKeHaathKaKhana

Now you can also contact us on Whatsapp at:+9162899 61646

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[dinnerchickenrecipes]

Palm fritters aka taaler Bora , the yummiest seasonal Bengali special recipe. ...

Palm fritters aka taaler Bora , the yummiest seasonal Bengali special recipe. …

Palm fritters aka taaler Bora , the yummiest seasonal Bengali special recipe.

[bongfooodie]

মিষ্টি দই। It's not just a dessert, it's an emotion. . . Outside Bengal, I have never had a chance to get the perfect Mishri Doi (sweet curd). The weather, the water, the ingredients everything makes it almost impossible to get the right consistency. . . However to my surprise, it is believed almost 4,000 years ago Mishti Doi was brought to Bulgaria by the nomadic tribes in bags that were made from animal skin. If this is true, it is surprising that it cannot be perfected outside Bengal. . . During my childhood, it was impossible to end any auspicious event without some mishri doi but the tradition is slowly waning out as the quality has degraded and so is the affinity of the newer generation for this potted sweet. . . #bongfooodie #bengalisweet #sweetcurd #dessert #indiansweets #traditionalsweets #sweetcurd #bengalidessert #indiancelebrations #celebrationsweet #foodporn #sweetoftheday (at Kolkata) https://www.instagram.com/p/CjfTpETDM21/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[swapnil1690]

One of the finest Rajbhog, I have ever had. Rajbhog translating to an offering to God, it is a traditional Bengali sweet made with paneer or chena and flavoured with saffron and rose essence. This Bengali delicacy is another version of rasgulla which can also be stuffed with dry fruits or mawa and is bigger in size. #FoodsForTheGod #RajBhog #Sweet #BengaliSweet #FoodPorn #Saffron #RoseEssence #Indian #Ranvas #Hospitality #Nagaur #NagaurDiaries #NagaurJournal #Rajasthan #India #Wanderer #Wanderlust #Travel #Travelogue #TravelDairies (at Ranvas) https://www.instagram.com/p/BkUEbcHlaKJ/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1mp4ihiwe0wia

[ediblesjournal]

During the festive season of Navratri we all get to eat yummy sweets 🤤 So, here enjoy one more delight #rasmalai Rasmali - An Indian Sweet 😋🤤 Follow @ediblesjournal @ediblesjournal @ediblesjournal #photographer - @mantente_raro Recipe - Make the same balls as Rasgullas but with flatten shape. Method to prepare the milk Take half litre of fat milk. Warm it and keep boiling it. Add elaichi powder, saffron, some dry fruits like pista and cashew ( as per your wish). Also add one spoon of sugar. Keep boiling it till the milk becomes thick and it started leaving thick layers. Cool down the milk and add the chenna flatten balls into it. Keep it in refrigerator for 3 to 4 hours and Rasmalai is ready! Double tap to like ❤️❤️ #rasmalai😍 #indiansweets #sweetshop #mithai #homemadesweets #navratrifestival #navratrifoods #navratrifood #ediblesjournal #indorefood #yummytreats #dessertstory #indorifoodblogger #foodloversofinstagram #bengalisweet #milkmithai (at Indore, India) https://www.instagram.com/p/CU2UE_Bor56/?utm_medium=tumblr

[creditcardhacks]

Everyone's first and last choice in sweets! Spongy, soft, juicy & mouth dissolving - "Rasgulle" ❤️ . . . Follow 👉 @bhikharamchandmalsweets #bhikharamchandmalsweets #rasgulla #bengali #sweets #gulabjamun #foodindia #sweets #mithai #mithailove #sweetssweets #foodpics #picoftheday #mithairecipes #happiness #desserts #dessertlover #desserttable #traditional #celebration #celebrationoflife #bengali #bengalisweet #bengalimithai #tuesday #picoftheday #instagram #instapic https://www.instagram.com/p/CSZMpgdqEAt/?utm_medium=tumblr

[esylfe]

Khoi er moa... . . . #khoiermoa #food #sweetdish #poppedricesnacks #poppedriceinjaggery #jaggerysweets #gud #jaggery #khoi #poppedrice #recipies #indiansweetsnack #bengalisweet #sweetsnack #homemadefood https://www.instagram.com/p/CIQv5Sfn8Jh/?igshid=9mo4z2yal10s

[thefoodtalesmumbai-blog]

// RASMALAI for the win!❤️ Was craving for some Indian dessert, so tried our hands on very popular and mouth watering Bengali sweet that is indulgent and a spongy delight floating in kesar infused milk. . DM for recipe. . . . #thefoodtalesmumbai #rasmalai #indiansweet #bengalisweet #tasteofbengal #kesar #authentic #quickrecipe #homemade #desserts #tasteofindia #sweettooth #homemade (at Stay Home Stay Safe) https://www.instagram.com/p/CAU6HTLp_7A/?igshid=6vy2ejnon3mo