Tomato Dal

Tur & Masur Tomato Dal

Bhapa Sandesh - Steamed Ricotta Cheese Dessert

Bhapa Sandesh

Sandesh is a beloved sweet or misti in West Bengal, India, and Bangladesh. Bhapa (steamed) Sandesh can be made in a pressure cooker or microwave oven. I find it simpler to use the microwave method because it's faster and can be made in the same Pyrex dish in which it can be served so there are no dishes to wash.

Whole milk ricotta cheese works well in this recipe, the alternative being to make cottage cheese or chana at home. The latter involves an elaborate and complex process which is not my cuppa tea.

Sandesh was my son's favourite misti and had to be included in his tiffin or bento box every day. The soft and satiny texture of sandesh varies with the ratio of cheese to sugar. The more cheese in the sandesh, the softer and more velvety it is.

Bijoya Potluck 2019

Bijoya Potluck 2019

L-R from Top Left

Asha's Corn Salad

Sudha's Begun Alu Posto
http://chumkieskitchen.blogspot.com/2018/04/begun-alu-posto-eggplant-potatoes-in.html

Masur-Channa-Chola Dal

Dak Bungalow Mutton Curry

Tomato Chutney
http://chumkieskitchen.blogspot.com/2017/09/tomato-chutney.html

2 Kinds or Pulao and Basmati Rice (not shown)

Desserts:

Bhapa Sandesh
http://chumkieskitchen.blogspot.com/2019/10/bhapa-sandesh-steamed-ricotta-cheese.html

Narkoler Naru
https://chumkieskitchen.blogspot.com/2018/07/coconut-macaroons.html

Lal Bhapa Doi
http://chumkieskitchen.blogspot.com/2017/09/tomato-chutney.html

Rasogolla'r Payesh
https://chumkieskitchen.blogspot.com/2014/10/rosogollar-payesh-cheese-dumplings.html

Kankra'r Jhal - Crab in Mustard Sauce

Kankra'r Jhal

Those live crabs in the Asian supermarkets have been piquing my interest for a while. Yesterday, my defenses finally crumbled and I bravely selected six of the most active and had them cleaned in the store. Dinner last night was the most enjoyable meal for me but it would have been better if I could have shared it with someone else. The last time I had crab cooked the Bengali way was before I left India in 1977. 

Fish & Seafood Duo

Hubby cringes at the sight of crab, so I prepared Tilapia fillets for him in the same way as the crab.