Chenna

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Chenna is fresh, unripened cheese. A crumbly and moist form of Paneer, it is used to make desserts such as Rasgulla. It is created in a similar process to Paneer except it is not pressed for as long.

It is most popular in Orissa and Bengal and is made from cow or water buffalo milk.

In Orissa, the typical process is to curdle boiling milk with a small amount of whey, and collect the coagulated component from it. This is then wrapped in cheesecloth, strained and beaten thoroughly, until it becomes quite firm. This mixture is kneaded well before use, so that it acquires a very soft and smooth consistency. Orissa is well known for desserts made of chenna, rasagolla and chhenna poda being the most popular.