Chhena gaja facts for kids
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| Course | Dessert |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Odisha |
| Region or state | Odisha, India |
| Main ingredients | Sugar |
Chhena gaja (Odia: ଛେନା ଗଜା) is a delicious sweet treat from Odisha, India. It is made from a special kind of fresh cheese called chhena. While some other sweets from Odisha, like rasagola, are famous all over India, chhena gaja is mostly loved within Odisha itself.
Even though chhena gaja uses similar ingredients to rasagolla and chhena poda, it tastes very different. Each sweet has its own unique flavor and texture!
What is Chhena Gaja?
Chhena gaja is a rectangular-shaped sweet. It has a slightly firm texture on the outside and is soft and juicy inside. The name "gaja" refers to its shape, which is like a small block.
Where Can You Find Chhena Gaja?
One of the best places to try chhena gaja is in Pahala. This town is close to Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha. However, you can find this popular sweet all over Odisha. It is a favorite dessert for many people there.
How is Chhena Gaja Made?
Making chhena gaja involves a few steps.
- First, chhena (a fresh cheese similar to cottage cheese) is mixed with sooji (which is also known as semolina).
- This mixture is then kneaded very well. Kneading helps to make the dough smooth.
- Next, any extra water is squeezed out from the mixture. The dough is dried a little bit. This makes sure it has the perfect texture.
- After that, the dough is shaped into small, rectangular pieces. These pieces are about the size of your palm.
- Finally, these shaped pieces are boiled in a thick, sweet sugar syrup.
- Sometimes, after boiling, the gajas are left to dry a bit more. This can make the sugar on the outside turn into tiny crystals. This gives them a slightly crunchy, sugary coating.
