Chamcham (Traditional Bengali Sweet)

 

Chamcham (Traditional Bengali Sweet)

Chamcham is a classic Bengali sweet made from freshly prepared chhena and gently cooked in light sugar syrup. Soft, mildly sweet, and delicately flavored, this homemade version is simple yet authentic.

                             

Ingredients

For the Chhena (Paneer)

• 1 gallon whole milk

• 3–4 tbsp white vinegar

• 3–4 tbsp water

For the Chamcham Dough

• Chhena (prepared from above)

• 1 tbsp semolina (suji)

• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1 tbsp sugar

• Seeds of 3 green cardamom, powdered

For the Sugar Syrup

• 3 cups sugar

• 4½ cups water

• A few drops of rose essence

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Instructions

Step 1: Make the Chhena

1. Heat the milk in a large pot. Once it comes to a rolling boil, lower the heat.

2. Mix the vinegar and water, then add it gradually to the milk.

3. Turn off the heat and stir gently until the milk curdles and the whey separates.

4. Drain the mixture into a cheesecloth-lined colander.

5. Rinse the chhena lightly under running water to remove the vinegar taste.

6. Tie the cheesecloth into a bundle and hang it over the kitchen faucet to drain overnight.

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Step 2: Prepare the Chamcham Dough

1. The next morning, divide the drained chhena into 3 portions.

2. Blend each portion separately for a few seconds in a mixer until soft and smooth.

3. Combine all portions into one bowl.

4. Add semolina, flour, sugar, and powdered cardamom seeds.

5. Mix well until a soft, smooth dough forms.

6. Shape the mixture into oval chamcham shapes.

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Step 3: Cook the Chamcham

1. In a wide pan, heat sugar and water together.

2. Once the syrup comes to a boil, lower the heat.

3. Gently slide the chamchams into the syrup one by one.

4. Cook uncovered on low heat for 5 minutes.

5. Cover and cook for another 15 minutes.

6. Uncover and cook for a final 5 minutes.

7. Add a few drops of rose essence and turn off the heat.

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Serving & Storage

Allow the chamchams to cool completely before serving. Store refrigerated and consume within 2–3 days.