How To Make Chhena Poda At Home: Saransh Goila Shares His Signature Recipe

When cheesecake meets traditional Indian flavours, the result is nothing short of irresistible. Food influencer and chef Saransh Goila recently shared his take on Odisha's beloved Chhena Poda, calling it an "instant classic" and a dessert that is even more indulgent than cheesecake. He prepared the sweet dish as part of the celebrations marking 10 years of his popular Goila Butter Chicken brand, making the occasion even more special.

Known for its caramelised top, rich texture and unique flavour, Chhena Poda has long been one of Odisha's most cherished desserts. Saransh's version adds a modern twist while retaining the essence of the traditional recipe.

Odia Dessert With A Twist:

Chhena Poda literally translates to "burnt cheese" and is made using fresh chhena, or cottage cheese. According to Saransh Goila, the dessert is India's answer to cheesecake, but with deeper caramelised flavours and a distinctly Indian identity.

His recipe starts with one litre of milk, which is brought to a boil before being curdled with the juice of two lemons. The freshly prepared chhena is then strained and infused with a smoky aroma using hot coal, adding an extra layer of flavour.

Building The Perfect Chhena Poda:

The strained chhena is mixed with sooji, ghee, jaggery, sugar and cardamom powder until a smooth mixture is formed. The batter is then baked at 170 degrees Celsius for around 40 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

The combination of jaggery and sugar creates the signature sweet and caramelised taste that makes Chhena Poda so memorable.

Nolen Gur Caramel Elevates The Dish:

To complement the baked dessert, Saransh prepared a rich nolen gur caramel. The sauce combines nolen gur, fresh cream, butter and a touch of sea salt.

Once cooled, the caramel develops a smooth texture and a delicious balance of sweetness and richness. This finishing touch gives the traditional dessert a contemporary restaurant-style presentation.

A Show-Stopping Dessert:

For serving, Saransh slices the Chhena Poda and pairs it with malai ice cream, toasted almonds, nolen gur caramel and diced mangoes. The contrast of warm caramel notes, creamy ice cream and fresh fruit creates a dessert that's both comforting and indulgent.

Whether you're a fan of regional Indian sweets or looking to try something beyond classic cheesecake, this smoky Chhena Poda recipe offers a delicious way to experience one of Odisha's most iconic culinary treasures.

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