Sondesh is the answer. It’s a dessert made from fresh cottage cheese (paneer) and originates from the Indian state of Bengal. A healthy oil-free dessert, cousin to the Rasgulla, it cannot be kept very long and is usually consumed the same day. Natives use a variety of moulds and shapes to give life to this dessert, and it’s usually topped with chopped nuts or saffron threads. I simply used chocolate.
Fairly easy to make, and ready in under 30 minutes, it was my justification that accompanied the indulgent weekend dinner.
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Chocolate Sondesh
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A delightful and guilt-free chocolate dessert made from fresh paneer, this Chocolate Sondesh is a quick and easy treat from Bengal, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
- 4 cups (960 ml) whole milk
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 2 tbsp fine brown sugar
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 8-10 Hershey's mini kisses
Instructions
- Bring the milk to a boil over medium heat. As it starts to bubble, add the vinegar and turn off the heat.
- Stir the mixture gently; the milk will curdle, and the cheese will separate from the liquid.
- Drain the liquid using a muslin cloth or fine sieve, and let the fresh paneer cool slightly.
- Once cool, knead the paneer with the brown sugar and cocoa powder until smooth and well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small discs or use molds for decorative shapes.
- Top each piece with a Hershey’s mini kiss for a chocolaty finish.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Sondesh is best consumed on the same day as it doesn’t keep well.
- For a more traditional touch, you can top it with chopped nuts or saffron threads instead of chocolate.
- If you don’t have Hershey’s mini kisses, you can use any small chocolate pieces.
- Ensure the paneer is kneaded well for a smooth texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Chocolate
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 20
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Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is sondesh, and where does it come from?
Sondesh is a Bengali sweet from the Indian state of Bengal made from fresh cottage cheese (paneer). It’s an oil-free dessert and a cousin to the rasgulla — both use fresh paneer as the base. It is traditionally shaped in decorative molds and topped with nuts or saffron threads.
Why is the paneer made from scratch rather than store-bought?
I make fresh paneer by curdling 4 cups of whole milk with 1 tsp of white vinegar — this produces a softer, moister curd than commercial paneer, which is typically pressed and drier. The freshly drained curd kneads smoothly into the sugar and cocoa for the right sondesh texture.
Why does sondesh need to be eaten the same day?
Because sondesh is made from fresh paneer with no preservatives, it spoils quickly. It cannot be kept very long and is best consumed on the same day it is made.
