Cham Cham is a delightful Bengali sweet made from chhena (fresh cottage cheese), soaked in a saffron and rosewater-infused sugar syrup. A step-by-step guide on how to make Cham Cham:
Ingredients:
For the Cham Cham:
- 2 cups of chhena (fresh cottage cheese)
- 2 tablespoons of maida (all-purpose flour)
- 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom powder
- A few saffron strands
- A pinch of yellow food color (optional)
- 1/2 cup of sugar
For the Sugar Syrup:
- 1 1/2 cups of sugar
- 3 cups of water
- A few saffron strands
- 1/2 teaspoon of rosewater
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chhena:
- In a large mixing bowl, crumble the chhena until it's smooth and free of any lumps.
2. Add Maida and Cardamom:
- Mix maida (all-purpose flour) and cardamom powder into the crumbled chhena to form a smooth, pliable dough. If the dough is too dry, you can add a little water to make it smooth.
3. Shape the Cham Cham:
- Divide the chhena dough into equal portions and shape them into oval or cylindrical shapes, similar to finger-like shapes.
4. Prepare the Sugar Syrup:
- In a separate saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring to dissolve the sugar.
5. Add Saffron and Rosewater:
- Once the sugar syrup comes to a boil, add saffron strands and rosewater. Stir and then reduce the heat to a simmer.
6. Poach the Cham Cham:
- Gently place the chhena shapes into the simmering sugar syrup.
- Cover the saucepan and let the Cham Cham cook for 15-20 minutes. Make sure to gently flip them over occasionally so that they cook evenly. They will become fluffy and spongy.
7. Let It Cool:
- After poaching, let the Cham Cham cool in the sugar syrup for a few hours, allowing them to absorb the syrup.
8. Garnish:
- Garnish with a few saffron strands or chopped pistachios.
9. Serve:
- Serve Cham Cham chilled or at room temperature.
Cham Cham is a delicious sweet treat with a soft, spongy texture and a fragrant saffron and rosewater-infused sugar syrup. It's a delightful dessert often served at celebrations and special occasions. Enjoy your homemade Cham Cham!