Sandesh

Name: Sandesh
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 8 cups whole milk; 3 tbsp lemon juice, strained; 1/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted; 1/4 tsp cardamom powder

A classic Bengali sweet made from fresh curdled milk cheese kneaded with sugar and cardamom. Cooked briefly, it yields a delicate, soft dessert that melts in your mouth.

35 minMediumServes 8110 cal/serving

IndianDessertStovetopVegetarianLow CarbHalal-friendlyGluten-FreeNut-FreeEgg-FreeSoy-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeAlcohol-FreeNightshade-Free

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Ingredients

8 cups whole milk
3 tbsp lemon juice, strained
1/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
1/4 tsp cardamom powder

Instructions

1

Bring 8 cups whole milk to a boil in a large pot over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
2

Reduce heat to low, add 3 tbsp strained lemon juice, and stir gently until the milk curdles and whey separates.
3

Pour curds into a cheesecloth-lined colander and rinse with cold water to cool and remove lemon flavor.
4

Squeeze out excess liquid and knead the fresh cheese for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth.
5

Transfer kneaded cheese to a nonstick pan, then mix in 1/4 cup sifted powdered sugar and 1/4 tsp cardamom powder.
6

Cook over low heat for 3 to 4 minutes until warm and non-sticky.
7

Remove from heat, cool slightly, and shape into small discs before serving.

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Questions

What is Sandesh?

A classic Bengali sweet made from fresh curdled milk cheese kneaded with sugar and cardamom. Cooked briefly, it yields a delicate, soft dessert that melts in your mouth. This reference files it under Indian dessert: made on the stovetop, rated medium and about 35 minutes start to finish.

Is there a substitute for powdered sugar in Sandesh?

The entry for Sandesh calls for 1/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted. In its place: Blend granulated sugar with a teaspoon of cornstarch per cup until fine.

Can I make Sandesh dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in Sandesh is 8 cups whole milk. Swap the milk for unsweetened oat or soy milk. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

How many calories are in Sandesh?

One serving (the recipe makes 8) is about 110 calories, with 5 g protein, 12 g carbohydrate and 5 g fat, plus 45 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

How long does Sandesh keep?

Keep Sandesh covered in the refrigerator and eat it within three days. Chilled and set desserts lose their texture in the freezer.

Serve it with

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