Chhanar payesh with purti vanaspati: a festive delight for every bengali celebration

The Flavour of Festivity
Festivals in Bengal are incomplete without sweets. From the sacred bhog of Durga Puja to the simple joy of birthdays, one dessert that always holds a special place is Chhanar Payesh-a creamy pudding made with soft cottage cheese. This melt-in-the-mouth delicacy is not just food, it’s a tradition passed down through generations.

When prepared with Purti Vanaspati, the payesh becomes even more delightful, filling the home with a rich aroma and authentic festive flavour. It brings back the charm of old Bengali kitchens, where sweets were lovingly prepared for every occasion.

The Cultural Connect
In Bengali households, payesh is more than just a dessert. It symbolises blessings, prosperity, and happiness. Served as prasad during pujas, or as the first sweet bite on birthdays, it is a dish that carries emotions along with flavours.

By preparing Chhanar Payesh with Purti Vanaspati, you bring a nostalgic richness that makes the celebration feel truly traditional and heartwarming.

Cooking & Preparation Time

– Preparation Time: 15 minutes
– Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
– Total Time: 45-50 minutes

Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to prepare this festive favourite:

– Fresh milk – 1 litre
– Chhana (cottage cheese) – 200 g
– Sugar or jaggery (gur) – 1/2 cup (adjust to taste)
– Cardamom powder – 1/2 tsp
– Dry fruits (cashews, raisins, almonds) – 2 tbsp
– Purti Vanaspati – 1 tbsp (for frying dry fruits)

Step-by-Step Recipe

Step 1: Reduce the milk
Boil milk in a heavy-bottomed pan. Lower the flame and simmer until it reduces to two-thirds, stirring now and then to avoid sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the chhana
If using fresh chhana, curdle hot milk with lemon juice or vinegar. Strain and lightly crumble it for a soft texture.

Step 3: Mix the chhana with milk
Gently add the crumbled chhana into the thickened milk, stirring slowly so that it blends well without breaking.

Step 4: Sweeten the payesh
Add sugar or jaggery. Stir until fully dissolved and the mixture turns smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Fry dry fruits in Purti Vanaspati
In a small pan, heat Purti Vanaspati and fry the cashews, almonds, and raisins until golden. Add them to the payesh for a rich, festive aroma.

Step 6: Flavour it
Sprinkle cardamom powder and stir. This adds the final touch of warmth and fragrance.

Step 7: Serve in a festive way
Your Chhanar Payesh with Purti Vanaspati is ready. Serve it warm or chilled in clay bowls for that authentic festive feel.

Festive Flavour Tip
Using Purti Vanaspati enhances the depth of flavour and gives the payesh a nostalgic, ghee-like richness. Just a spoonful makes the dessert taste like the ones lovingly made in traditional Bengali homes during Puja.

Serving Suggestions

– Present in earthen bowls (matir bhanr) for a rustic, festive charm.
– Pair with khichuri or luchi during Puja feasts.
– Offer it as prasad during Durga Puja, Lakshmi Puja, or any family celebration.

A Sweet That Makes Memories
This festive season, make your celebrations more special with Chhanar Payesh prepared in Purti Vanaspati. It’s more than a dessert, it’s a tradition served in a bowl. Each spoonful carries the warmth of nostalgia, the blessings of festivity, and the authentic taste of Bengal.
This Puja season, bring home the joy of tradition with a bowl of Chhanar Payesh made with Purti Vanaspati – a sweet that turns every celebration into a memory.