Cham Cham

 

Cham Cham is a popular Bengali dessert that consists of soft and spongy paneer (Indian cottage cheese) dumplings soaked in a fragrant and sweet syrup. Here's how you can make Cham Cham:

Ingredients:

For the Cham Cham:

For the Cham Cham Dough:

2 cups paneer (Indian cottage cheese), grated

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (maida)

2 tablespoons semolina (sooji)

A pinch of baking soda

A few drops of rose essence or cardamom essence (optional)

For the Sugar Syrup:

1.5 cups sugar

3 cups water

A few saffron strands

1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder

For Garnish:

Chopped pistachios or almonds

Edible food color (green or pink, optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cham Cham Dough:

In a mixing bowl, combine the grated paneer, all-purpose flour, semolina, and a pinch of baking soda.

Knead the mixture into a smooth and soft dough. You can add a few drops of rose essence or cardamom essence for flavor if you like.

Divide the dough into equal portions and shape them into cylindrical or oval dumplings about 2 inches long.

2. Prepare the Sugar Syrup:

In a wide and deep pan, combine sugar and water.

Heat the mixture over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves.

Add saffron strands and cardamom powder for flavor and color.

Allow the syrup to come to a boil and then reduce the heat to simmer.

3. Cook the Cham Cham Dumplings:

Gently slide the prepared paneer dumplings into the simmering sugar syrup.

Cover the pan and let them cook for about 20-25 minutes on low heat.

Occasionally, gently flip the cham cham dumplings to ensure even cooking.

They will double in size and become spongy while absorbing the sugar syrup. They should be soft but not mushy.

4. Let the Cham Cham Cool:

Once the cham cham dumplings are cooked and have absorbed the syrup, turn off the heat and let them cool down in the syrup.

5. Garnish:

Remove the cham cham from the syrup and place them on a serving dish.

Garnish them with chopped pistachios or almonds.

If you like, you can sprinkle a little edible food color on top for a more vibrant look.

6. Serve:

Cham Cham can be served warm or chilled, as per your preference.

Enjoy this delectable Bengali dessert as a sweet treat.

Cham Cham is a delightful dessert with a melt-in-the-mouth texture and a delightful sweetness. It's perfect for celebrations and special occasions, and it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.