Bengal Sweet Sandesh with Saffron and Pistachios

Name: Bengal Sweet Sandesh with Saffron and Pistachios
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 12 pieces
Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients: 500g fresh paneer; 150g powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon cardamom powder; A pinch of saffron strands; 30g pistachios; Additional saffron strands

A delicate Bengali dessert infused with saffron and topped with crunchy pistachios.

Enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth texture of this traditional Bengali treat, perfect for festive occasions or a delightful finish to any meal.

1 h 15 min
12 pieces
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Sandesh Base

500g fresh paneer

crumbled

150g powdered sugar

1 teaspoon cardamom powder

A pinch of saffron strands

soaked in 2 tablespoons of warm milk

For the Topping

30g pistachios

coarsely chopped

Additional saffron strands

for garnish

Preparation

Preparing the Paneer

Crumble the paneer

Crumble the paneer finely using your hands or a food processor.

Combine ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine crumbled paneer, powdered sugar, and cardamom powder.

Knead the mixture

Knead the mixture thoroughly until smooth and creamy.

Avoid over-kneading, as this can cause the texture of the Sandesh to become rubbery.

Flavoring the Sandesh

Incorporate saffron milk

Add the saffron milk to the mixture gradually, kneading until evenly incorporated.

If the mixture feels too dry, add a teaspoon of warm milk to adjust the consistency.

Smooth the mixture

Ensure the mixture is smooth with no lumps remaining.

Rest the dough

Let it rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Cooking Process

Forming the Sandesh

Shape the kneaded mixture into small, flat discs or any desired shape.

Steaming the Sandesh

Gently steam the Sandesh on a low flame for about 10-12 minutes.

Cooling & Setting

Allow the Sandesh to cool thoroughly until firm.

Plating & Serving