Chhena Poda recipe: A delicious spiced cheesecake treat

Ingredients for Chhena poda (spiced cheesecake)

• ghee, for the cake pan

• 225 g paneer, preferably homemade

• 30 g icing sugar

• 2 g ground cardamom

• 30 g semolina

• 22 g ghee, store-bought or homemade

• 60 ml full-fat milk

• 30 g roasted cashews

• 30 g golden raisins

• 45 g caster sugar

• soured cream or sliced almonds (optional), for serving

How to make Chhena poda (spiced cheesecake)

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (fan) or 190°C (conventional). Butter a 23 cm nonstick metal cake pan with some ghee.

2. In a large bowl, stir together the paneer, icing sugar, and cardamom until combined but still slightly chunky. Add the semolina, ghee, and milk, then whisk until smooth. Stir in the cashews and raisins, then set the mixture aside.

3. Sprinkle the granulated sugar evenly over the bottom of the prepared cake pan. Place the pan on the stove over medium heat. Allow the sugar to bubble and turn a pale golden brown for 8–10 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat using tongs once it reaches this stage—do not stir the sugar while it bubbles.

4. Pour the batter into the pan, using a rubber spatula to scrape the bowl clean. The batter should settle into an even layer on its own; if necessary, use the spatula to smooth the surface.

5. Wearing oven mitts, carefully transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.

6. Remove the cake from the oven and transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, run a paring knife around the edges of the cake.

7. Place a serving platter larger than the diameter of the cake over the pan and gently flip it over; the cake should slide out easily, with the caramel coming out as well (some caramel will remain in the pan, which is fine).

8. Slice and serve with freshly whipped cream or sliced almonds, if desired. The cake will keep in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

9. To clean the pan, fill it with boiling water and let it sit for at least 30 minutes to loosen the browned sugar before washing.

Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.