Oreo Chhena Poda: A Crunchy and Creamy Take on an Odia Classic

Does Bihu feel incomplete if there's no something special on the table? Bihu, the Assamese New Year, is all about new beginnings, music, and feasts lighting up homes. The sight of golden paddy fields, women wearing radiant yellow mekhela chadors, and the aroma of freshly prepared sweets herald the celebrations. Just as Bohag Bihu is all about harvest and prosperity, food during the season has a deeper significance—traditional recipes handed down through generations merge with contemporary twists that excite the taste buds.

A classic example of this food heritage is Chhena Poda, a traditional Odia baked sweet renowned for its deep caramel taste. But for food enthusiasts who love innovation, a modern reinterpretation might be a tempting choice. Presenting Oreo Chhena Poda, a mix of tradition and elegance. The earthy, deep flavor of baked chhena is balanced by the chocolatey texture of Oreos, creating a dessert that is a mix of the old and the new. Perfect for Bihu celebrations, the dish presents an interesting mix of heritage and novelty to your festive table. Let us try to make this interesting dessert in your kitchen!

Recipe for Oreo Chhena Poda

Ingredients:

500g fresh chhena (cottage cheese)
¾ cup powdered sugar
½ cup semolina (suji)
¼ cup milk
Half cup crushed Oreo cookies
6-7 entire Oreo cookies (to layer)
2 tbsp ghee
½ tsp cardamom powder
½ tsp. baking powder
¼ cup coarsely chopped nuts (almonds and cashews)
A dash of salt

Method:

Mash chhena to a lump-free consistency. Add powdered sugar, semolina, and milk.
Add crushed Oreos for chocolate flavor.
Add ghee, cardamom powder, baking powder, and salt for flavor.
Grease a baking tin and line the base with whole Oreo biscuits.
Pour the batter evenly over them.
Sprinkle chopped nuts over the top and bake at 180°C for 40-45 minutes or till it is golden brown.
Set before slicing and serving.

7 Tips to Making Oreo Chhena Poda

Ensure Chhena is Fresh and Soft

There's nothing like fresh and a little moist Chhena when you're baking. If it's dry to you, then knead it with a little warm milk and restore the softness to it. Shop-bought paneer is best avoided as it will not give the freshness needed to make it a richly baked dish.

Adjust Sweetness

Since Oreos have sugar, there is a need to balance the sweetness. Reduce powdered sugar slightly if you prefer a mild flavor. The baking process naturally develops the caramelized taste, preventing too much sweetness.

Get a Perfect Roasted Finish

Chhena Poda's golden-brown top is a result of slow roasting. To achieve this, bake at a steady oven temperature and allow the top to caramelize evenly. When baking in an OTG, switch on both rods to achieve a perfect surface.

Let the Dish Set

Once baked, avoid cutting it straight away. Allow it to cool for an hour at least. This allows it to set, which will make it easier to cut and give the flavors a chance to mature, thus leading to a richer experience.

Try Various Oreo Flavors

Plain Oreos are fine but try something different. Try vanilla, chocolate, or even mint Oreos to change things up. Combining various flavors provides a layered flavor that makes every bite interesting.

Use a Steam Bath for Extra Softness

Do you like a softer texture? Put a pan of water in the oven while you bake. The steam stops it from drying out, making the chhena rich and smooth. This is excellent if you like a more melt-in-the-mouth texture.

Up the Presentation for Special Occasions

Oreo Chhena Poda pairs well with accompaniments. Accompany vanilla ice cream, drizzle with dark chocolate syrup, or dust with cocoa powder for an upscale finish. For special occasions, cut into small pieces and thread them for a sophisticated dessert platter.