Chhena poda (transl. Baked cheese) is a cheese dessert from the Indian state of Odisha. Chhena poda literally means Baked Cheese in Odia.[1] It is made of well-kneaded homemade fresh cheese chhena, sugar, semolina, and is baked for several hours until it browns.[2] Chhena poda is known as one of the Indian dessert whose flavor is predominantly derived from the caramelization of sugar.
This article possibly contains original research. (July 2021) |
Course | Dessert |
---|---|
Place of origin | India |
Region or state | Odisha, India |
Main ingredients | Chhena cheese, sugar, cashew nuts and raisins |
This section needs additional citations for verification. (March 2022) |
Chhenapoda originated in the Odia village of Dasapalla in the first half of the twentieth century. The owner of a confectionery, Sudarsan Sahu[3] decided to add sugar and seasonings to leftover cottage cheese one night, and left it in the Indian Chulha that was still warm from earlier use. The next day, he was pleasantly surprised to find out what a scrumptious dessert he had created.
Chhenapoda Dibasa is being celebrated since 11 April 2022, the birth anniversary of Sudarsan Sahoo.[4][5]
Chhena poda is usually made at home during traditional festivals in Odisha, such as Durga Puja. Since the mid-1980s, it has gradually found its place in restaurant menus across Odisha. Odisha Milk Federation is investing heavily in mass-producing and popularizing this delicacy, determined not to let this happen again.[6][7][8][9]
This mouth-watering sweet from Odisha literally means burnt cheese.