Bhapa Sandesh is a steamed Sandesh and my chosen dish for the alphabet B. Bhapa Sandesh is one of those traditional sweet and very easy to make. “Bhapa” is Bengali word for Steamed and this is normally cooked in a pressure cooker (in steam method). In this method, it might take about 30 mins from start to end.
However, I used Microwave and had this done in like about 2 mins. When you have the chhana all kneaded and ready, this hardly takes more than 2 mins to get steamed and done. I was inspired by this site, and the author talks both about pressure cooker method and mentions one can use a microwave as well. So naturally, I resorted to microwave and mine took only about 2 mins for 1 cup of kneaded chhana, which gave me 5 to 6, 2-inch pieces.
I read that one can use 'Nolen Gur' (Date Palm Jaggery ) or brown sugar in place of powdered sugar as well. Well, next time for sure.
In this A to Z Bengal Sweet series, Aam Sandesh was made separately and rest of the series were clubbed and cooked together. It also helped that I was using the Microwave for this as I was free to make few other.
For each batch, I used about 4 liters of Milk, got about 4 cups of chhana I had about 2 cups of sugar powered and ready.
The basic Sandesh will explain the process involved in making Norom Paak. Bhapa Sandesh is more of Kancha Sondesh/ Kancha Golla that is mixed with sugar and then steamed.
How to Make Soft Homemade Chhana for Bengali Sweets
How to Knead Chhana for Soft Bengali Sweets
Today's Sweet is Steamed Version using Kancha Sondesh.
In this A to Z Bengali Sweets for Protein Rich dishes:
A for Aam Sandesh
B for Bhapa Sandesh
Step by Step Pictures for making Soft Chhana
Step by Step Pictures for Kneading the chhana
Making Bhapa Sandesh
Bhapa Sandesh | How to make Steamed Sandesh
Ingredient Needed:
1 cup Paneer / Chhana / Cottage Cheese
1/ 2 cup Sugar (increase as per your taste)
A pinch of Cardamom Powder
Mixed Nuts for garnish
Few strands of Saffron mixed in 2 tbsp Milk
How to make Bhapa Sandesh
Follow this post to make soft Chhana for making Sandesh.
Take one cup of well kneaded Chhana and start adding sugar and mix well.
You will end up having a soft and sweetish smelling chhana.
Add cardamom and knead again.
Soak saffron in 2 tbsp milk.
If you are going to steam in a pressure cooker, you can grease with butter, pat this chhana over it and add milk along with saffron.
Cover the pan with an aluminum foil
Add 1 cup water to the pressure cooker, bring to a boil.
Then place the covered pan inside the pressure cooker and steam for 15 to 20 mins on medium heat.
I used microwave and cooking in the microwave is very quick.
Grease a microwave safe bowl, press down the chhana and sprinkle milk with saffron
Microwave for a minute. Wait and again microwave for another minute.
Steaming is done. Let it sit at room temperature for 5 mins, then refrigerate for 30 mins,
Cut into pieces and serve with sprinkled nuts over it.
Recipe
Bhapa Sandesh | How to make Steamed Sandesh
Ingredients
- 1 cup Paneer / Chhana / Cottage Cheese
- 1/2 cup Sugar (add as per taste)
- A Pinch Cardamom Powder
- Mixed Nuts for garnish
- Few Strands Saffron
- 2 tbsp Milk
Instructions
- Follow this post to make soft Chhana for making Sandesh.
- Take one cup of well kneaded Chhana and start adding sugar and mix well.
- You will end up having a soft and sweetish smelling chhana.
- Add cardamom and knead again.
- Soak saffron in 2 tbsp milk.
- If you are going to steam in a pressure cooker, you can grease with butter, pat this chhana over it and add milk along with saffron.
- Cover the pan with an aluminum foil. Add 1 cup water to the pressure cooker, bring to a boil. Then, place the covered pan inside the pressure cooker and steam for 15 to 20 mins on medium heat.
- I used microwave and cooking in the microwave is very quick.
- Grease a microwave safe bowl, press down the chhana and sprinkle milk with saffron.
- Microwave for a minute. Wait and again microwave for another minute.
- Steaming is done. Let it set at room temperature, refrigerate for 30 mins.
- Cut into pieces and serve with sprinkled nuts over it.
This is part of the A to Z Protein-Rich dishes, where I decided to showcase A to Z Bengali Sweets with Paneer/Chhana as the main source.
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Priya Suresh says
One of my favourite Bengali sweets since ever i tried at home for the last baking marathon. Now you are tempting me to make some. Delicious!!!
Ritu Tangri says
I have never made/tasted sandesh. Your this series of sandesh is certainly going to motivate me to make it. How much chana has to be knead, like we knead for making rasgulla?
Srivalli says
Ritu, kancha sandesh is very easy and simple to make. So you can start with that. For this version unlike rasgulla, you can knead for about 10 mins, you don't have to worry about the chhana grains. Also kneading with sugar will make the cheese soft. So steaming after that is easy.
vaishalisabnani says
Fantastic ! I have never tried the steamed version of sandesh , it definitely is such a delicious one . Valli even though sweets are a banned item with many these sandeshs will be appreciated as these are not very high in calories and would satisfy those sweet cravings . Loved this version and looking forward to the rest of sweets .
gayathriraani says
Sandesh is one of my most fav sweets and I didn't know that this version exists. Using a MW is indeed a quick method to make this delicious sweet.
Sharmila - The Happie Friends Potpourri Corner says
I am getting to learn so many variations of sandesh from you valli.. And with microwave indeed it is a lovely try!!
Sowmya:) says
This Sandesh looks gorgeous. I didn't know there is a steamed version of it. Will try it asap!
Sapana says
Wow, steamed sondesh. I never knew about that. I am going to learn a lot of new sweets from your space this month.
PJ says
I have never made this sandesh. Sounds easy and with the microwave it should be very easy. Loving your series Srivalli..
Rajani says
This one satisfies the sweet tooth, is not difficult to make and comparatively easier on the calorie too. What more can one ask for 🙂
themadscientistskitchen says
Wow Valli this is awesome. I love the ease with which you are making these sweets. I will not touch the idea with a barge pole.
Preeti says
Never heard about steam version.. awesome recipe and looks so tempting.
Mayuri Patel says
This sadness looks very yummy. I didn't know sadness could be steamed. We definitely are going to learn a lot of new things from your posts in the coming days.
Mayuri Patel says
I hate the word predict....I meant sandesh 🙂
Anlet Prince - Annslittlecorner says
It looks tempting and i did not know it was so easy to make
srividhya says
This MV version sounds very interesting. Got to try this for the diwali. Great share Valli.
Nalini says
This has been in my to do list,it looks so tempting.Will try it for sure..
sizzlingtastebuds says
Very doable recipe and yum too !! kudoa on your research ..
ruchi indu says
Yummy recipe. You seem to have done a lot of research. Steamed version sounds very interesting.
Dhwani Mehta says
Wow, steamed sondesh. I have never heard about that. Bookmarking this recipe. 🙂
Nisha Ramesh says
Valli, this is delectable. 🙂 I love bengali sweets and an yet to master it. Making Chenna is the key to get delicious sweets. You always amaze with your microwave methods for everything. 🙂 🙂
Pavani says
Wow, what a yummy dessert Valli. Making it in the microwave makes it so convenient,
Nicole says
You make it all seem so easy! Never knew this could be done in a microwave- I have to try it!
Lathiya says
Never tried sandesh before...this looks easy and delicious ????
firsttimercook says
I just love this bengali sweet, lovely post ????
Jayashree says
I did not know about steaming version. Nice share and looks quite easy to day. Thanks for sharing.
shibani says
Bengoli desserts are my weekness . Can forget my diet for these yummy bhapa sondesh...
Anvita says
I make Paneer all the time, never though of making this. I love beengali mithai, this must be yum
Lauren says
I've never heard of this dish before, but after reading your post and seeing the ingredients list, it is definitely a must-try! I love learning about and trying new foods like this!
Kim says
Wow I've never even heard of this dish before! Luckily it looks simple enough but what do I serve it with? As a snack?
Srivalli says
This is a sweet that can be enjoyed as a snack or a dessert..:)
Joanna Everyday Made Fresh says
I've never heard of anything like this before. It sounds like it's pretty simple to make, even the kneading part. I like the sound of cardamon and saffron.
Sandhya Ramakrishnan says
Steamed version of the Sandesh looks yummy and I can't believe that it is so quick to make in the microwave. Thanks for your detailed explanation on how to make it on stove top as well. I am so missing the mega BM now.
The Olive Blogger says
This looks delicious! I love to learn about new cultures and foods that go with it, so I will have to come back and check out what other yummy things you have to share with us.
Veena Azmanov says
I didn't know sandesh was steamed. I have never made these at home. But I love them and only ordered them when in India. I love Indian sweet and this look so delish. Love the step by step. Thanks
Buy This Cook That says
I thoroughly enjoy reading your blog. I learn so much about a whole new world of food, and your tutorials are spot on. Thank you!
Swathi says
Bhapa sandesh looks delicious, I always want to make Bong sweets at home. I think this one is really easy I will give it a try.
Noel Lizotte says
I love when recipes can be adapted to work in different cooking methods like pressure cooker / microwave / traditional. Time saved cooking means more time with family.
Christine says
I've never had Bhapa Sandesh, but it looks and sounds delicious! I think that my family would really love it. Hope to make it soon!
Catherine says
This sounds fabulous...I've never had Sadnesh but I would love to try it!
Ashley - Forking Up says
I have never heard of this dish, but it looks absolutely delicious. I love soft sweets!