Sugar-Free Classic Bengali Sandesh

Indulge in the timeless charm of Bengali sweets with our Sugar-Free Classic Bengali Sandesh, a guilt-free twist on this beloved delicacy. Made from fresh, homemade chhena (Indian cottage cheese) and sweetened naturally with stevia, this melt-in-your-mouth treat brims with the subtle fragrance of green cardamom and a delicate hint of rose water. Perfect for dessert lovers looking for a refined sugar-free option, this recipe is easy to prepare and ready in under an hour. Each silky, handcrafted piece offers the perfect balance of traditional flavors and modern health-conscious living. Garnish with chopped pistachios for an optional crunch or enjoy as is for a pure and creamy delight. Satisfy your sweet tooth without compromise—ideal for festive occasions or a wholesome everyday indulgence!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1 liter Whole milk
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons Stevia powder
• 3 Green cardamom pods
• 2 tablespoons Pistachios, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon Rose water

Directions

Step 1

Pour the whole milk into a large, heavy-bottomed pan and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Stir continuously to prevent it from scorching.

Step 2

Once the milk reaches a boil, lower the heat and add lemon juice gradually, while stirring. This will curdle the milk and separate it into chhena (curds) and whey.

Step 3

Turn off the heat once the milk has fully curdled. Pour the mixture through a muslin cloth or a fine strainer to collect the chhena. Discard the whey or save it for other recipes.

Step 4

Gather the edges of the cloth containing the chhena and rinse it under cold running water to remove the acidic taste of lemon.

Step 5

Squeeze out excess water gently and hang the chhena for about 15-20 minutes to drain completely.

Step 6

Transfer the drained chhena onto a clean, flat surface or a large plate. Start kneading it with the heel of your palm for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 7

Add stevia powder and crushed cardamom seeds from the pods, mixing thoroughly into the chhena until well combined.

Step 8

Place a non-stick pan on low heat and add the sweetened chhena mixture, stirring continuously.

Step 9

Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the mixture forms a dough-like consistency and starts to leave the sides of the pan. Do not overcook as it will further harden while cooling.

Step 10

Turn off the heat and add rose water. Stir well to incorporate.

Step 11

Allow the mixture to cool slightly. Once it’s warm enough to handle, shape the mixture into small, flat discs or traditional sandesh shapes using moulds, if available.

Step 12

Garnish with chopped pistachios if desired and let them cool completely before serving.

Step 13

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1106.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	744.6

Total Fat 40.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 20.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.1g
Cholesterol 123.8mg	0%
Sodium 395.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 76.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 3.6g	0%
Total Sugars 51.8g
Protein 37.9g	0%

Vitamin D 453.8IU	0%
Calcium 1311.5mg	0%
Iron 1.5mg	0%
Potassium 1809.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 44.5%

Protein: 18.4%

Carbs: 37.1%