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.

Ingredients

1 (15 oz.) tub Sargento whole milk ricotta cheese

1 (3.5 oz.) pkg. Carnation instant milk powder

3 Tbsp. of sugar

1 Tbsp. melted butter

1/4 tsp. cardamom powder

1/4 tsp. crushed saffron strands

Directions

1. Bring cheese to room temperature and whip with remaining ingredients until sugar dissolves.
2. Pour mixture into a microwave-safe dish and smooth the top.
3. Cook in a microwave oven in 1 minute bursts for a total of 5-7 minutes.
4. After every minute, remove from oven and with help of a spatula, move cheese away from edges so it doesn't stick. 
5. Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight.
6. Cut in squares or triangles and serve chilled.