How to make Chena Murki easily at home?

About Chena Murki.

Certainly! “Chena Murki” is a popular Indian sweet dish made from paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and sugar. It is a delightful and sweet treat that is often prepared for festivals and special occasions. The paneer is cut into small pieces, cooked in a sugar syrup, and then left to cool and harden, creating a delicious, melt-in-the-mouth dessert. it is a beloved dessert in many Indian households and is enjoyed for its sweet and creamy flavor.

Here’s a basic recipe for making it at home:

Ingredients:

1 cup paneer (cottage cheese)
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
A few saffron strands (optional)
Ghee or oil for greasing

Instructions:

Start by grating or mashing the paneer until it’s smooth and free of any lumps. You can also use store-bought paneer.
Divide the paneer into small, equal-sized portions and shape them into small rounds or any desired shape. You can make them into diamond shapes, rounds, or squares.
In a wide, heavy-bottomed pan, combine sugar and water. Heat it on medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves completely. You can add a few saffron strands at this stage for added flavor and color.
Continue cooking the sugar syrup on medium heat. Use a candy thermometer, and when the syrup reaches the “one-string consistency” (approximately 220-225°F or 104-107°C), remove it from the heat.
Now, add the cardamom powder to the sugar syrup and give it a quick stir.
Gently place the paneer pieces into the hot sugar syrup. Be cautious not to overcrowd the pan. Let them sit for a few seconds to absorb the syrup.
Stir the paneer pieces gently with a spatula to ensure they are coated with the sugar syrup evenly.
Allow it to cool down in the sugar syrup for a while. They will harden as they cool.
Once the Chena Murki have cooled and the sugar syrup has crystallized around them, remove them from the syrup and place them on a greased plate or tray.
Let it the cool completely, and then they are ready to be served.

Enjoy your homemade Chena Murki as a sweet and delicious treat! You can store them in an airtight container for a few days.

" Chena Murki Recipe!!" and "queenofrecipes.online" written on an image with Chena Murki. — Chena Murki

Nutritional Value.

It is a sweet Indian dessert made primarily from paneer (cottage cheese) and sugar. Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for 100 grams of Chena Murki:

Calories: 300-350 calories
Protein: 10-12 grams
Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams
Sugars: 45-55 grams
Fat: 5-8 grams
Fiber: 0 grams
Calcium: 150-200 mg (varies based on the paneer used)
Iron: 0.5-1 mg

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific recipe and the type of paneer and sugar used. It is a sweet and indulgent dessert, so it is relatively high in sugar and calories. It’s best enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat due to its high sugar content.

Health Benefits.

Chena Murki, a sweet Indian dessert made from paneer (cottage cheese) and sugar, is a delicious treat that many people enjoy. While it is undeniably tasty, it is essential to recognize that it is primarily a high-sugar and high-calorie dessert, so it should be consumed in moderation. However, it’s worth noting that there are some potential health benefits associated with its key ingredient, paneer:

Protein Source: Paneer is a good source of protein, and it contains paneer as its main ingredient. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, and it can help you feel fuller for longer.
Calcium Content: Paneer is also rich in calcium, which is vital for maintaining strong bones and teeth. Consuming it in moderation can contribute to your daily calcium intake.
Energy Boost: It provides a quick source of energy due to its high sugar content. While this can be beneficial in some situations, it’s important not to overindulge because of the sugar content.
Taste and Enjoyment: Enjoying a sweet treat like it can provide emotional satisfaction and a sense of comfort. Food should not only be about nutrition but also about enjoyment and cultural significance.

It’s essential to remember that the health benefits of it are primarily associated with its individual ingredients, such as paneer, rather than the dessert as a whole. While it can provide some nutritional value, its high sugar and calorie content means it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Tips and Tricks.

Here are some tips and tricks to make delicious Chena Murki:

Quality of Paneer: Start with good-quality paneer. If you have the time, you can make your own paneer at home for the best results. If using store-bought paneer, choose a fresh and soft variety.
Consistent Paneer Texture: Ensure that the paneer is mashed or grated into a smooth and lump-free consistency. This will help create a uniform texture in it.
Sugar Syrup Consistency: Achieving the right consistency of the sugar syrup is crucial. Use a candy thermometer to reach the “one-string consistency,” which is around 220-225°F (104-107°C). This ensures the Chena Murki will have the right texture when they cool.
Cardamom Flavor: Add cardamom powder to the sugar syrup for a delightful flavor. You can also infuse the syrup with saffron strands or rose water for additional aroma and taste.
Shape and Size: Shape the Chena Murki as per your preference. Common shapes include diamonds, squares, or small rounds. Make sure they are uniform in size for even cooking and presentation.
Ghee Greasing: Grease the plate or tray with a small amount of ghee (clarified butter) to prevent the Chena Murki from sticking to the surface. This also adds a subtle flavor.
Cooling Time: Allow the Chena Murki to cool in the sugar syrup to harden properly. Do not rush this step. You can transfer them to the greased plate once they’ve cooled sufficiently.
Storage: Store Chena Murki in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator for an extended shelf life.
Serve in Moderation: Chena Murki is a sweet and calorie-dense treat, so enjoy it in moderation. It’s a great addition to festive occasions and special celebrations.

Remember that making Chena Murki might take a little practice to get the texture and consistency just right, so don’t be discouraged if your first batch isn’t perfect. With these tips and some experience, you’ll be able to create delicious Chena Murki at home.

Serving Suggestions.

Chena Murki is a delightful Indian sweet treat, and it can be served in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

As a Dessert: Chena Murki is commonly served as a dessert. Place a few pieces on a dessert plate and enjoy them after a meal. You can serve them as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
With a Cup of Chai: Chena Murki pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of Indian chai or any other tea of your choice. The combination of the sweet and slightly savory flavors of the tea can be a delightful contrast.
Gifting: Chena Murki can be packaged beautifully and given as a thoughtful gift during festive occasions or special celebrations. Place them in decorative boxes or jars and present them to friends and family.
Decorative Display: Create an attractive display on your dessert table during festivals or parties. Arrange the Chena Murki on a decorative platter and garnish with edible silver leaves (varak) for an elegant look.
Festive Occasions: Chena Murki is a popular sweet during Indian festivals like Diwali and Raksha Bandhan. It’s often made as part of a spread of traditional sweets and is shared with guests during these celebrations.
Accompaniment with Other Sweets: You can serve Chena Murki alongside other Indian sweets like Rasgulla, Gulab Jamun, or Jalebi to create a diverse and colorful dessert platter.
Custom Variations: Get creative and use Chena Murki as an ingredient in other dessert preparations. For example, you can crumble them and use them as a topping for cakes, ice creams, or even as a filling for sweet parathas (Indian flatbreads).
Kids’ Parties: Chena Murki is sure to be a hit at children’s parties. You can arrange them in colorful cupcake liners and let the kids enjoy these sweet bites.

Remember that Chena Murki is a sweet and rich dessert, so it’s best served in small portions to be savored and enjoyed.

FAQs.

What is the texture of Chena Murki?

The texture of Chena Murki is characterized by a delightful combination of firmness and creaminess.
On the outside, Chena Murki has a crystallized and slightly crunchy texture, owing to the sugar syrup that has hardened around the surface of the paneer (cottage cheese) pieces. When you bite into it, you’ll experience a subtle crunch as you break through the sugary layer.
Inside, Chena Murki remains soft and creamy. The paneer itself is smooth and melts in your mouth. This contrast between the firm, sugary exterior and the soft, creamy interior is what makes Chena Murki a delightful and popular Indian sweet.

Can Chena Murki be a part of a gift basket or hamper?

Yes, Chena Murki can be an excellent addition to a gift basket or hamper, especially for special occasions and festivals. It’s a sweet and traditional Indian dessert that’s often shared with friends and family during celebrations. Here’s how you can include Chena Murki in a gift basket or hamper:
Variety of Sweets: Create a diverse selection of sweets in your gift basket. Alongside Chena Murki, you can include other popular Indian sweets like Gulab Jamun, Rasgulla, Jalebi, and Laddu. This will provide a delightful assortment for the recipient.
Decorative Packaging: Package the Chena Murki and other sweets in attractive containers or boxes. Decorate the containers with ribbons, bows, or personalized labels to make the gift even more special.
Personal Touch: Consider adding a handwritten note or a greeting card to convey your best wishes and a personal message to the recipient.
Theme-Based Baskets: You can create a theme-based gift basket, such as a “Diwali Delights” basket for the festival of Diwali or a “Sweet Celebrations” hamper for birthdays and anniversaries.
Include Extras: Enhance the gift basket with additional items like a small idol, candles, or decorative items that fit the occasion.
Customization: If you know the recipient’s preferences, you can customize the contents of the basket to include their favorite sweets and treats.
Presentation: Pay attention to the presentation. Arrange the Chena Murki and other sweets neatly in the basket, ensuring it looks inviting and festive.
Chena Murki, with its sweet and rich flavor, can be a delightful and traditional addition to a gift basket or hamper, making it a thoughtful and appreciated gift for friends, family, or colleagues during special celebrations and occasions.

How should I store Chena Murki?

To store Chena Murki, place them in an airtight container to prevent moisture and air from affecting their texture. You can store Chena Murki at room temperature in a cool, dry place for a few days. If you want to extend their shelf life, refrigerate them, but ensure they are in an airtight container to prevent absorption of odors from the fridge. Storing them properly will help maintain their freshness and flavor.

Can I use store-bought paneer to make Chena Murki?

Yes, you can use store-bought paneer to make Chena Murki. While homemade paneer is often preferred for its freshness and quality, store-bought paneer can be a convenient and acceptable option for making this sweet Indian dessert. Just make sure to choose a good-quality, fresh store-bought paneer for the best results.

Sweets