Best Easy Cham Cham Recipe

Cham Cham is a beloved Bengali sweet crafted from fresh chhena and soaked in aromatic syrup. This iconic dessert is a highlight of family celebrations and a pride of Bengali culinary tradition.

Cook 95 min Difficulty NORMAL 210 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • Whole milk 8 cups
  • Lemon juice 3 tbsp
  • Fine semolina 1 tbsp
  • All-purpose flour 1 tsp
  • Sweetened shredded coconut 1 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • Sugar 2 cups
  • Water 5 cups
  • Rose water 1 tsp
  • Cardamom pods 6 pieces
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 36 g 69%
Protein 6 g 11%
Fat 5 g 20%
Serving size 65g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Bring whole milk to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching.

  2. 2

    Add lemon juice slowly while stirring until the milk curdles and separates into chhena and whey.

  3. 3

    Drain the chhena through a muslin or cheesecloth, rinse under cold water, then squeeze out excess moisture gently for a soft yet non-wet texture.

  4. 4

    Transfer chhena to a bowl, add semolina and flour, then knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth, avoiding over-kneading to prevent toughness.

  5. 5

    Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces, roll each into a smooth oval shape.

  6. 6

    Combine sugar, water, and cardamom in a wide pan; bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes to infuse aroma.

  7. 7

    Gently add the shaped cham cham to the simmering syrup, cover, and cook on medium-low heat for 35-40 minutes, turning gently once halfway for even cooking.

  8. 8

    Turn off heat, add rose water, and let cham cham cool in the syrup for at least 1 hour to absorb flavor.

  9. 9

    Carefully lift cham cham from syrup, roll in shredded coconut, and serve lightly chilled.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What is the key ingredient that gives Cham Cham its authentic taste and texture?
The key ingredient is fresh chhena, which is made by curdling whole milk with lemon juice. Chhena provides Cham Cham its classic soft and spongy texture, serving as the foundation for the dessert’s delicate flavor and structure.
Q. What should I pay attention to during the cooking process for perfect Cham Cham?
Careful heat control is essential during both milk curdling and syrup simmering. Simmer the shaped Cham Cham gently in syrup and avoid high heat to prevent them from breaking or becoming dense. Do not over-knead the chhena, as it may toughen the final product.
Q. How can I ensure the Cham Cham stays soft and not rubbery?
Squeeze excess moisture from the chhena gently to keep it soft but not too dry. Knead just enough to achieve a smooth dough. Overworking or using too much pressure may lead to rubbery texture. Also, let them cool completely in the syrup for moist, tender Cham Cham.
Q. What is the nutrition breakdown for this Cham Cham recipe?
Each serving contains about 210 kcal, with approximately 36g carbohydrates (69% of calories), 6g protein (11%), and 5g fat (20%). Cham Cham is a sweet treat primarily composed of carbs, typical for traditional Indian desserts.
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