Master the art of making delectable Dhaka Cham Cham with this easy recipe! A sweet treat that’s sure to impress. 🍬✨ #sweet #recipe #kanwalskitchen
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What is Dhaka Cham Cham?
The Dhaka Cham Cham is a beloved Bengali sweet known for its soft, spongy texture and luscious, milky flavor. This delectable dessert is crafted from fresh paneer, or chhena, which is kneaded, shaped, and cooked in a fragrant sugar syrup. It’s then garnished with vibrant pistachios or almonds for added visual appeal.
To embark on this culinary journey, start by curdling milk to obtain fresh paneer. The chhena is then carefully drained, kneaded, and shaped into small, cylindrical pieces. These are gently poached in a simmering sugar syrup infused with aromatic cardamom, enhancing the cham cham’s fragrance and taste.
What is special about Dhaka Cham Cham?
The beauty of Dhaka Cham Cham lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, it transforms basic paneer into a melt-in-the-mouth delicacy. The interplay of creamy paneer and the sweet, floral notes of cardamom-infused syrup creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making it a favorite among sweet enthusiasts.
What sets this recipe apart is the attention to detail in achieving the perfect consistency. The paneer needs to be soft yet firm, allowing it to absorb the flavors of the sugar syrup while maintaining its delicate texture. The syrup, on the other hand, should strike a balance between sweetness and aromatic richness, elevating the overall experience.
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What is the Origin of Dhaka Cham Cham?
Indulging in Dhaka Cham Cham is akin to savoring a piece of Bengali culinary heritage. Its exquisite taste and captivating texture make it a quintessential dessert for celebrations and special occasions. Whether enjoyed on its own or shared with loved ones, this sweet treat promises a delightful journey through the vibrant flavors of Bengal. Unlock the secrets of this cherished recipe and experience the joy of creating a classic Bengali dessert in your own kitchen.
Nutrition Facts:
The nutrition facts of Dhaka Cham Cham, a popular Bengali sweet, can vary based on the specific recipe and brand. Here’s a general idea of the nutritional content for a typical serving size (approximately 1 piece or 50 grams):
- Calories: Approximately 120-150 kcal
- Total Fat: 5-8 grams
- Saturated Fat: 2-4 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Cholesterol: 5-15 mg
- Sodium: 20-40 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 15-25 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 0-1 grams
- Sugars: 10-20 grams
- Protein: 2-4 grams
These values are rough estimates and can vary based on factors such as the specific ingredients used, the amount of sugar and fat added, and the size of the Cham Cham. It’s important to note that Cham Cham is a sweet dish, and the sugar content is a significant contributor to the overall calorie count.
For a more accurate assessment, you may want to check the nutrition label on the specific product or use a recipe calculator if preparing it at home. Additionally, keep in mind that moderation is key when consuming sweets as part of a balanced diet.
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Ingredients:
For Cham Cham Dough:
- 1 cup paneer (Indian cottage cheese), crumbled
- 2 tablespoons maida (all-purpose flour)
- 1 tablespoon semolina (sooji)
- A pinch of baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ghee (clarified butter)
- 1/2 cup milk
For Sugar Syrup:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- A few strands of saffron
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
For Filling:
- 1/2 cup khoya (reduced milk solids)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- A few chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachios)
For Garnish:
- Chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachios)
- Desiccated coconut
Instructions:
Prepare Cham Cham Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, combine crumbled paneer, maida, semolina, baking soda, and ghee.
- Knead the mixture into a smooth and soft dough, adding milk gradually as needed.
- Divide the dough into small equal portions and shape them into cylindrical or oval shapes.
Cook Cham Cham:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil.
- Gently drop the cham cham dough portions into the boiling water.
- Boil the cham cham for 10-12 minutes until they puff up and become spongy.
- Remove the cham cham from the water and let them cool.
Prepare Sugar Syrup:
- In a separate pan, combine sugar and water to make the sugar syrup.
- Add saffron strands and cardamom powder to the sugar syrup.
- Bring the sugar syrup to a boil and then simmer for about 5-7 minutes until it reaches a slightly sticky consistency.
Prepare Filling:
- In a bowl, mix khoya, powdered sugar, and chopped nuts to prepare the filling.
Assemble Dhaka Cham Cham:
- Once the cham cham are cool, slice them horizontally without cutting all the way through.
- Gently open each cham cham and stuff them with the prepared khoya filling.
- Close the cham cham and dip them into the warm sugar syrup.
- Let the cham cham soak in the sugar syrup for at least 1-2 hours, allowing them to absorb the flavors.
Garnish and Serve:
- Once soaked, garnish the cham cham with chopped nuts and desiccated coconut.
- Dhaka Cham Cham is ready to be served. Enjoy this delicious Bengali sweet!
This authentic Dhaka Cham Cham recipe offers a perfect blend of textures and flavors, making it a delightful treat for special occasions.