Chamcham 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.
Bring the whole milk to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
Slowly add lemon juice while stirring, then reduce heat to low; the milk will curdle as chhena forms. Strain with a muslin cloth, rinse under cold water, and squeeze out excess moisture.
Transfer chhena to a bowl, mix in semolina, and knead gently for 5–7 minutes until smooth. Divide and shape into oval logs about 2 inches long.
In a wide pan, combine water, sugar, and cardamom pods. Bring the syrup to a simmer, then carefully add chamcham logs. Cover and cook on medium heat for 20–25 minutes, ensuring logs stay submerged and expand.
Once cooked, gently transfer chamcham to a bowl with some syrup, add rose water, and cool completely before serving. The texture should be soft yet hold its shape.