Zafrani Sandesh is my choice for Z in the A to Z Bengali Sweet Series. As expected there is no other choice for this letter in the regional language or in English. So the moment I came to plan Z, I immediately thought of Zafrani referring to the Saffron Flavoured Sandesh.
While there have been a handful of other Sandesh that I have already featured having this flavour, this Sandesh is only with just Saffron in more quantity. It hits you with that mild aromatic sweetness along with a tart-sweet so unique of saffron strands. I wanted to keep this version with just this flavour, and hence didn't use any nuts as well.
So each bite into this Sandesh will remind you of the rich saffron and freshness of the freshly kneaded chhana that gets highlighted.
We have reached the last post in the series and as always, I can't believe we have completed a whole month so quickly. It has been particularly easy for me this time. Mostly I am in so much hurry cooking in the last moment, changing list and the usual stuff. I was so elated when I picked up this theme and couldn't wait to share it with the world! A sense of achievement that comes when you have something worth enjoying, is something so different.
I hope all of you enjoyed this journey as much as I enjoyed planning and cooking.
As with all Paneer Based Bengali Sweets, you need to make fresh soft Paneer/Chhana. Since this is blended you need not knead it fine as with the rest of the Sandesh types.
How to Make Soft Homemade Chhana for Bengali Sweets
How to Knead Chhana for Soft Bengali Sweets
In this A to Z Bengali Sweets for Protein Rich dishes:
A for Aam Sandesh
B for Bhapa Sandesh
C for Channar Puli
D for Danadar
E for Elixir Sandesh
F for Fruit Sandesh
G for Gajarer Sandesh
H for Hot Chocolate Sandesh Truffle
I for Ice Cream Sandesh
J for Jilapi
K for Khirkadam
L for Lyangcha
M for Malai Sandesh
N for Nikhuti Payesh
O for Orange Sandesh
P for Pantua
Q for Quick Rasmalai
R for Rasgulla
S for Sita Bhog
T for Tota Puli
U for Utshob Sondesh
V for Vino Sandesh
W for White Chocolate Sandesh Truffle
X for X'citing Dark Chocolate Sandesh Truffle
Y for Yogurt Frozen Sandesh
Step by Step Pictures for making soft chhana for Bengali Sweets
Zafrani Sandesh | How to make Saffron Sandesh
Ingredients Needed
1 cup Paneer / Chhana / Cottage Cheese
1/2 cup Sugar powdered
2 to 3 pinches Saffron Strands
2 tbsp Milk warm
Make the soft paneer/chhana that's required for making Bengali Sweets
Once you drain the excess whey water, transfer to a plate/wide bowl.
Knead it for about 15 to 20 mins to get soft and smooth chhana.
Take the chhana after kneading and mix with sugar.
Soak the saffron in warm milk. Save a few stands for garnish in the end.
Heat a nonstick pan, add the chhana along with saffron milk and the sugar if required.
Cook for 4 to 5 mins. We are not supposed to cook for long as chhana can crumble.
This should be just enough for us to mold it into shapes.
Remove, press a teaspoon of chhana into a square-shaped molds. Garnish the top with saffron strands
Refrigerate for 30 mins. Serve chilled.
Recipe
Zafrani Sandesh | How to make Saffron Sandesh
Ingredients
- 1 cup Paneer / Chhana / Cottage Cheese
- 1/2 cup Sugar powdered
- 2 to 3 pinches Saffron Strands
- 2 tbsp Milk warm
Instructions
- Make the soft paneer/chhana that's required for making Bengali Sweets
- Once you drain the excess whey water, transfer to a plate/wide bowl.
- Knead it for about 15 to 20 mins to get soft and smooth chhana.
- Take the chhana after kneading and mix with sugar.
- Soak the saffron in warm milk. Save few stands for garnish in the end.
- Heat a nonstick pan, add the chhana along with saffron milk and the sugar if required.
- Cook for 4 to 5 mins. We are not supposed to cook for long as chhana can crumble.
- This should be just enough for us to mold it into shapes.
- Remove, press a teaspoon of chhana into a square shaped molds. Garnish the top with saffron strands
- Refrigerate for 30 mins. Serve chill.
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vaishalisabnani says
This entire series is absolutely fantastic , a great learning experience. Somehow Z for Zafrani Sandesh was what I was expecting ... it is hard with these tail alphabets .
You have completely floored me with these sweets , what a beautiful challenge , enjoyed each and everyday of these Bengali Sweets . Kudos !
Priya Suresh says
Seriously i learned so many Bengali sweets through u Valli, you simply rocked gal. Dunno how you have managed to come up with different sweets. Kudos to u. And this Zafrani sandesh looks absolutely rich with a pleasant colour. Lovely sweet to finish the mega marathon.
themadscientistskitchen says
I loved the whole series. Delicious sweets that I have still not tasted. Will try making at least this one. Sounds doable for 1 person. Love the series with you and for once I was not jinxed.
Sharmila - The Happie Friends Potpourri Corner says
Kesar sandesh looks absolutely yum and you successfully completed the A-Z Series.. Lovely effort..
Sapana says
Zafran is one ingredient that would make anything fancy. Those sandesh looks absolutely incredible. Loved you entire Bengali sweet seines and bookmarked all.
Srividhya Manikandan says
What a rich dessert to end the series. Love the Zafran flavored sandesh. Great job for picking Bengali desserts for this A - Z series. Very nice.
Mayuri Patel says
A royal ending to the marathon Srivalli. Saffron adds so much flavor and richness to any dish.
Preeti says
Seriously i love your all recipes specially all sondesh variety.
ruchi indu says
I have thoroughly enjoyed this journey with your bengali sweets. As I have been saying; hats off to you for your idea and efforts. Z for Zaffrani sandesh was kind of obvious and you have implemented it perfectly.