Chanar bhapa sandesh recipe – bengali steamed sweet

Preparation Time: 15 mins

Cooking / Steaming Time:20 – 25 mins

Cooling & Setting Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Introduction:

When we talk about Bengali sweets, Sandesh always tops the list. Among its many delightful variations, Chanar Bhapa Sandesh stands out as a steamed delicacy that perfectly blends tradition and taste. Prepared with soft chana (cottage cheese), aromatic cardamom, and a touch of Purti Vanaspati, this sweet is a celebration of Bengal’s culinary heritage.

This melt-in-the-mouth dessert is not just a festive treat but also a symbol of Bengal’s deep-rooted love for sweets. With every bite, you experience the richness of tradition combined with the wholesome goodness of carefully selected ingredients.

Ingredients:

– Fresh chana (cottage cheese) – 2 cups

– Powdered sugar – 1/2 cup (adjust to taste)

– Purti Vanaspati – 2 tbsp (for smoothness and richness)

– Milk powder – 2 tbsp

– Cardamom powder – 1/2 tsp

– A few strands of saffron (optional)

– Chopped dry fruits (pistachios/almonds) – for garnish

Method – How to Make Chanar Bhapa Sandesh:

Step 1: Prepare the chana

Drain excess water from fresh chana and mash it until smooth and lump-free.

Step 2: Mix the base

Add powdered sugar, milk powder, cardamom powder, and Purti Vanaspati. Blend into a creamy mixture.

Step 3: Set for steaming

Grease a steel or oven-safe container with Purti Vanaspati. Pour the chana mixture and spread evenly.

Step 4: Steam the Sandesh

Place the container inside a steamer or pressure cooker (without the whistle) and steam for 20 – 25 minutes.

Step 5: Cool and garnish

Once done, let it cool completely. Garnish with saffron strands and chopped dry fruits.

Step 6: Slice & serve

Cut into squares or diamonds and serve this royal sweet chilled or at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions

– Serve as a dessert after meals.

– Perfect for festive platters during Puja or Diwali.

– Can be gifted as a homemade sweet packed beautifully.

Why Use Purti Vanaspati?

Using Purti Vanaspati adds richness, softness, and a melt-in-the-mouth texture to Chanar Bhapa Sandesh. Its pure quality ensures that the Sandesh tastes authentic while keeping the traditional touch intact.

History of Chanar Bhapa Sandesh

The legacy of Sandesh dates back to the 16th century Bengal, when Portuguese settlers introduced the technique of curdling milk to create chana (cottage cheese). Bengali sweet makers adopted this method and began experimenting, giving birth to the versatile Sandesh family.

The word Sandesh means “message” in Bengali, and in earlier days, this sweet was sent as a token of joy and celebration. Over centuries, the humble Sandesh evolved into various forms – Kacha Golla, Aam Sandesh, Jolbhora, Norom Pak, Kora Pak, and Bhapa Sandesh.

Among them, Chanar Bhapa Sandesh (steamed Sandesh) became a favourite because of its soft, moist texture and delicate flavour. Steaming gave it a unique identity compared to the drier versions of Sandesh.