Malai Cham Cham Recipe

Malai Cham Cham is a delectable Bengali dessert that combines the richness of chenna  with the creaminess of milk. Here is a recipe of Malai Cham Cham. Follow these simple steps to prepare this irresistible sweet Malai Cham Cham at home:

Here is another Bengali sweets recipe for you. Hope you will like it.

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Ingredients for Malai Cham Cham:

For the Chenna:

• 1 liter full-fat milk
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar

For the Cham Cham:

• 1 liter full-fat milk
• 1 cup sugar
• 4 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• A few saffron strands
• Chopped nuts for garnish (optional)

Instruction of making Malai Cham Cham:

Making Chenna:

1. Heat the full-fat milk in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat until it comes to a boil.
2. Once the milk starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and add lemon juice or vinegar gradually while stirring continuously.
3. As you add the acid, the milk will begin to curdle, and the whey will separate from the solids (chenna).
4. Turn off the heat once the milk has completely curdled, and the whey appears transparent.
5. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth-lined sieve to separate the chenna from the whey.
6. To remove any traces of lemon juice or vinegar, rinse the chenna under cold running water. Now, squeeze out excess water and hang it for about 30 minutes to drain completely.

Preparing the Cham Cham:

1. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a wide pan. Add sugar and stir until it dissolves completely.
2. Once the sugar syrup is ready, gently slide the prepared chenna balls into the boiling syrup.
3. Cover the pan and let the chenna balls cook for about 15-20 minutes on medium heat. Chenna will double in size and become spongy after boiling.
4. Meanwhile, in another pot, heat the full-fat milk over medium heat and bring it to a gentle boil.
5. Add cardamom powder and saffron strands to the boiling milk, and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
6. Once the chenna balls are cooked, turn off the heat and let them cool in the sugar syrup for a while.
7. Carefully remove the chenna balls from the sugar syrup and gently squeeze them to remove excess syrup.
8. Transfer the chenna balls to the thickened milk mixture (malai) and let them soak for at least 1 hour to absorb the flavors.
9. Garnish with chopped nuts if desired.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve Malai Cham Cham chilled for a refreshing dessert experience. 

Variations of Malai Cham Cham:

• You can add rose water or kewra essence to the milk for a fragrant twist.
• For a richer flavor, you can also add a tablespoon of condensed milk to the malai mixture.

Conclusion:

Malai Cham Cham  is a delightful dessert that will surely impress your taste buds with its creamy texture and aromatic flavors. Follow this recipe to create this indulgent sweet treat and treat yourself to a taste of Bengal's culinary heritage!

Enjoy your Malai Cham Cham and savor every delicious bite of this traditional Bengali dessert!

Tips for Perfect Malai Cham Cham:

• Use freshly prepared chenna for the best texture and flavor.
• Ensure the sugar syrup is boiling gently before adding the chenna balls to prevent them from breaking.
• Allow the chenna balls to soak in the malai for an extended period to enhance their taste and softness.

Storage Instructions:

• Malai Cham Cham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. However, it's best enjoyed fresh.

Health Benefits:

• Chenna is rich in protein and calcium, making Malai Cham Cham a nutritious dessert option when consumed in moderation.
• Saffron used in the recipe is known for its antioxidant properties and may offer various health benefits.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1.What is Chenna?

Chenna is a type of fresh cheese made by curdling milk with an acidic agent like lemon juice or vinegar. It is widely used in Indian desserts like rasgulla, sandesh, and Malai Cham Cham.

2. Can I use store-bought paneer instead of making chenna at home?

While store-bought paneer can be used as a substitute for chenna, homemade chenna offers a fresher taste and better texture, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.

3. Can I use sugar substitutes in the recipe to make it healthier?

Yes, you can use sugar substitutes like stevia or erythritol to sweeten the cham cham. However, keep in mind that the taste and texture may slightly differ from the traditional version.

4. How do I know if the chenna balls are cooked properly?

The chenna balls should double in size and turn spongy when cooked properly. You can also insert a toothpick into the center of a chenna ball; if it comes out clean, the balls are cooked through.

5. Can I serve Malai Cham Cham warm instead of chilled?

While Malai Cham Cham is traditionally served chilled, you can serve it warm if you prefer. However, chilling enhances the flavors and texture of the dessert.

Recipe Card

Cuisine: Bengali, Course: Dessert, Prep Time:10 minutes, Cook Time: 45 minutes, Serves:10 People