With the onset of winters, we Odias know that it's time for us to indulge in some delicious foods. With the myriads of festivities that Odias celebrate during winters, it is quite evident that the season is made for indulging in some delicious desserts. And when we say Odia desserts, do we even need to mention the vast array of lip-smacking and appetizing desserts that Odia cuisine has in store? From the ubiquitous Rasagola to the flaky and delicious Feni, the number of Odia desserts are truly endless. However, if you have a sweet tooth like us and have ever visited Odisha or indulged in Odia desserts, then you must have noticed one common ingredient in most of them- chhena. With the wide availability of fresh chhena in many parts of the state, Odisha boasts of the varieties of chhena desserts that it serves to foodies across the world. Are you curious already? Here are some popular and delicious chhena desserts that you need to try on your visit to Odisha.
1. Rasagola
Needless to say, the Odias boast of this delicious and drool-worthy sweetmeat. Believed to have originated in the state itself, Rasagola is the heartthrob of Odia foodies. The soft and spongy balls made out of chhena and semolina are cooked in light sugar syrup to perfection.
2. Chhena Jhili
A popular dessert originating from the Nimapada area of Puri district, Chhena Jhili is something everyone visiting Shree Jagannath Temple must look forward to. The chhena balls are deep-fried and then soaked in sugar syrup before serving.
3. Chhenapoda
Colloquially known as ‘The King Of All Desserts’, chhenapoda is a baked delight made with chhena and sugar. Most Odia festivals and special occasions cannot be complete without savouring a slice of chhenapoda.
4. Chhena Gaja
A harder version of Rasagola, Chhena Gaja is one of the most popularly savoured desserts in Odisha. Although made with the same ingredients as Rasagola, Chhena Gaja dough is kneaded to squeeze out the excess water and is boiled in thick sugar syrup.
Now that you know the popular chhena desserts of Odisha, nothing in the world should stop you from savouring these sweets on your visit to the state. Also, don’t forget to try the embedded recipes at home.
