Orange Sandesh is my choice for O in the A to Z Bengali Sweet Series. I was not able to find any other dish for O and this was listed in the google book. There is another dish made with Oranges, popularly known as Komala Bhog. Komala Bhog is Orange flavoured Rasgullas.
I was almost tempted to make that as well. However, as I had made a Kesariya Rasgulla, I didn't want to take this up. Also, a Komal Sandesh but since I was keen on Khirkadam for K, I decided to use it as Orange for O. I got fresh Australian Oranges to make this dish, as it's not the season for the regular oranges at the time I was making it.
I also read some recipes that used Orange extract which seems to be a tedious process to make at home, involving vodka. When we went shopping to get the chocolates, I decided to get Orange essence, I made a mistake and got this in the wholesale shop, where a small quantity was not available.
Since there was not enough time to shop again, I bought that and now I feel I need to make more orange dishes to use up that essence. Some even suggested making this Sandesh with orange juice. I decided I will go my way and cooked the paneer as Noram paak, by adding fresh orange segments and a tiny drop of orange colour.
I used an Orange mold that I borrowed from Veena and set it in the fridge to chill for a while and finally garnished it with orange segments and nuts. I saved one piece to layer the Tricolour Fruit Sandesh, where I used this for the saffron layer of the Indian Flag.
This Orange Sandesh was part of the huge chhana batch I kneaded. We have finally reached half of the list as today is Day 15 or 15 dishes done!
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
Step By Step Pictures for making soft Chhana for Bengali Sweets
Step by Step Pictures for kneading the chhana to a soft texture.
Step by Step Pictures for making Orange Sandesh
Orange Sandosh | How to make Komal Sandesh
Ingredients Needed:
For Orange Sandesh
1 cup Paneer / Chhana / Cottage Cheese
1/ 2 cup Sugar powdered
Few drops Orange Essence
1/ 4 cup Orange segments
For The Garnish
1 / 4 cup Mixed Nuts
Few Orange segments
How to make Orange Sandesh
Make soft paneer or chhana at home. If you are making just this, you can simply use 250 ml Milk to get about 6 pieces. Or as I did, you can make a large portion of chhana and make different Bengali Sweets.
Once the fresh chhana is cooked, let it drain and then knead it really soft to get fine chhana grains.
As with all Noram Paak, I first kneaded the chhana well, added half of the sugar I was using first on the plate, and then gently cooked the fresh chhana with the rest of the sugar on medium heat.
Since I was using citrus fruit, I had to ensure the paneer doesn’t turn crumbly or overcooked.
So when you cook with all the sugar, ensure you quickly mix it, finally add the fresh orange segment and mash it well with the ladle for the segments to get mixed well.
Finally, add the orange essence and orange colour.
Remove to the molds, shape them, and set them in the fridge to set.
Just before serving, garnish with fresh orange segments and mixed nuts.
If you are looking for a different recipe, try this Orange Peel Chutney!
Orange Sandosh | How to make Komal Sandesh
Ingredients
For Orange Sandesh
- 1 cup Paneer / Chhana / Cottage Cheese
- 1/ 2 cup Sugar powdered
- Few drops Orange Essence
- 1/ 4 cup Orange Segments
For The Garnish
- 1 / 4 cup Mixed Nuts
- Few Orange segments
Instructions
- Make soft paneer or chhana at home. If you are making just this, you can simply use 250 ml to get about 6 pieces. Or as I did, you can make a large portion of chhana and make different Bengali Sweets.
- Once the fresh chhana is cooked, let it drain and then knead it really soft to get fine chhana grains.
- As with all Noram Paak, I first kneaded the chhana well, add half of the sugar I was using first in the plate and then gently cooked the fresh chhana with rest of the sugar on medium heat.
- Since I was using citrus fruit, I had to ensure the paneer doesn’t turn crumbly or overcooked.
- So when you cook with all the sugar, ensure you quickly mix it, finally add the fresh orange segment and mash it well with the ladle for the segments to get mixed well.
- Finally, add the orange essence and orange colour.
- Remove to the molds, shape them and set it in the fridge to set.
- Just before serving, garnish with fresh orange segments and mixed nuts.
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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vaishalisabnani says
Somehow I knew it was going to be O for Orange , as we don't have much choice with this alphabet . I have made a Orange Sandesh way back but we were very happy with it . Orange is a delicious flavor and you have done a beautiful job making it .
Btw refrigerate the orange essence , it will stay good for a longer time .
kitblue says
When I saw the small thumbnail picture of your recipe I thought I was looking at a happy woman with her eyes closed! The recipe is just as intriguing as the picture I thought I saw.
Sharmila - The Happie Friends Potpourri Corner says
I just fell for the colour itself.. Orange sandesh must have tasted yummy too!! always citrus flavor in desserts!!
Srividhya Gopalakrishnan says
Adding citrus fruit in milk sweets is very tricky and you have got it perfect. Amazing color and this looks perfect.
Sowmya:) says
That orange Sandesh looks beautiful and vibrant! You have nailed it perfectly!
Priya Suresh says
Orange sandesh looks very catchy and you nailed it prefectly. Now am tempted to give a try to this orange flavor sandesh soon.
Gayathri Kumar says
I think I am going crazy with all the delicious delights you are making. I am sure this orange flavoured sandesh is so divine. I want to take one off the screen now!
themadscientistskitchen says
Valli why torture me so? I am going crazy looking at these sweets. Wish I can visit the sweetmeat shop soon or better make them for myself.
Kalyani says
my orange-loving LO will like this.. nice colour...
Sapana says
Even I thought o is going to be orange ????. Those sandesh looks super cute and tasty too.
Anlet Prince - Annslittlecorner says
Orange with milk gives out a beautiful flavour. Orange sandesh is a beautiful twisstm
Mayuri Patel says
A nice citrusy flavour to the sandesh. Every sweet preparation is just too tantalizing.
Preeti says
This orange color sondesh looks perfect... amazing vibrant color.
Rajani says
I like orange as such but warming up to the fruit in other dishes only now. The citrusy color and flavor would suit the delicate chana which can imbibe any flavor
ruchi indu says
Strong vibrant color of the sandesh. Good choice for 'O'.