Sandesh Shake: A Sweet Symphony for Your Soul, Boss!
Namaste, Kem Chho, and Sat Sri Akal, my delicious friends! Chef Curry Do’pyaza here, ready to whip up another storm of flavour in your kitchens. Today, we are diving into a cool, creamy, and utterly delightful treat: the Sandesh Shake!
Think of this as a hug in a glass, a sweet serenade for your taste buds. This shake is more than just a drink; it’s a celebration of Indian sweetness.
When to Shake It Up!
Sandesh, the star of our shake, is a Bengali sweet close to many hearts. You’ll often find it gracing tables during joyous occasions like Durga Puja, Diwali, or even a simple family get-together. It’s a symbol of good fortune and sweet beginnings. This shake, my friends, is perfect for beating the summer heat or adding a touch of sweetness to any day of the year.
A Little Sandesh History, My Friends!
Sandesh has a fascinating story! It is believed to have originated in Bengal, India, centuries ago. The traditional method involved curdling milk and then sweetening it with sugar or jaggery. Over time, different variations emerged, with some using chhena (paneer) and others incorporating flavourings like cardamom or saffron. This simple sweet is now loved all over India!
Recipe Deets (Details):
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Blending Time: 2 minutes
What You Need (Ingredients):
- 4 pieces of Sandesh (Bengali Sweet, about 100 grams)
- 1 cup Doodh (Milk, full cream for extra richness)
- 1/2 cup chilled Malai (Cream, optional but highly recommended)
- 2 tablespoons Shakkar (Sugar, adjust to your sweet tooth)
- 1/4 teaspoon Elaichi Powder (Cardamom Powder, for that aromatic touch)
- Few strands of Kesar (Saffron, soaked in a tablespoon of warm milk – for colour and flavour)
- Ice cubes (as needed)
- Chopped Pista (Pistachios, for garnish)
Let’s Get Cooking (Instructions):
- Smash It Up: Gently break the Sandesh into smaller pieces. This makes blending easier.
- Blend It Beautifully: In a blender, combine the Sandesh pieces, milk, cream (if using), sugar, cardamom powder, and saffron-infused milk.
- Ice, Ice Baby: Add a few ice cubes to the blender. This will give your shake that perfect chill.
- Whirlwind Time: Blend everything until you get a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Taste and Adjust: Give it a taste! Is it sweet enough? Does it need a touch more cardamom? Adjust the sugar and cardamom to your liking.
- Pour and Garnish: Pour the shake into a tall glass. Sprinkle with chopped pistachios.
- Enjoy, Boss! Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful symphony of flavours!
Chef’s Special Tips for the Best Sandesh Shake:
- Chill Out: Use chilled milk and cream for a super refreshing shake.
- Sweetness Check: Sandesh itself is sweet, so start with less sugar and add more if needed.
- Spice It Up: A tiny pinch of nutmeg can add a warm, comforting note.
- Make it Vegan: Use plant-based milk and cream alternatives.
Cooking It Your Way:
- Blender is Best: A blender is the easiest way to make this shake.
- Hand Mixer: If you don’t have a blender, you can use a hand mixer. Make sure the Sandesh is well mashed before you start.
Nutritional Information (Approximate):
(Per serving, without cream): Calories: 250-300, Protein: 8-10g, Fat: 10-12g, Carbohydrates: 30-35g.
Note: This is an estimate and can vary based on the ingredients used.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve it chilled on a hot summer afternoon.
- Pair it with a light snack like mathri or khari biscuits.
- Garnish with a sprig of mint for a refreshing twist.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
So there you have it, my friends! A simple, delicious, and utterly irresistible Sandesh Shake recipe that will surely win hearts. Now, go forth and create this sweet magic in your kitchens! Make this recipe at home and share it with your friends and family. They will love you for it! Until next time, happy cooking!