Indulge in the guilt-free sweetness of Keto Classic Bengali Sandesh, a low-carb twist on the beloved Indian dessert. This recipe combines the creamy texture of homemade chhena (paneer) with the mild, nutty flavor of almond flour, all naturally sweetened with monk fruit sweetener for a keto-friendly treat. Infused with aromatic cardamom and topped with a sprinkle of pistachio slivers, each bite of this delicate sweet is a burst of traditional Bengali flavor with a modern, health-conscious flair. Perfect for festive occasions or a delightful everyday indulgence, this keto dessert is ready in under an hour and is as satisfying as it is nutritious.
Begin by preparing chhena (paneer). Heat the milk in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
Once the milk comes to a gentle boil, add the lemon juice and stir continuously. The milk will begin to curdle.
Line a sieve with a muslin cloth and place it over a large bowl. Pour the curdled milk into the cloth and allow the whey to drain out.
Rinse the chhena under cold water to remove the lemon smell and taste. Squeeze out excess water, tie the cloth into a bundle, and hang it for about 15 minutes to drain further.
Transfer the drained chhena to a flat surface or plate. Knead it with the heel of your palm for about 5-7 minutes until it's smooth and soft.
Add the almond flour, monk fruit sweetener, and cardamom powder to the chhena. Knead again until everything is well incorporated.
Transfer the mixture to a non-stick pan. Cook over low heat, stirring continuously until the mixture starts to leave the sides of the panβthis should take about 5-7 minutes.
Remove the mixture from the heat. Allow it to cool slightly, then divide it into equal portions and shape each portion into discs or the traditional round shape of choice.
Garnish each Sandesh with slivers of pistachios, pressing them gently on top.
Allow the Sandesh to cool completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.
Calories |
982 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 62.7 g | 80% | |
| Saturated Fat | 21.5 g | 108% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 124 mg | 41% | |
| Sodium | 393 mg | 17% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 68.7 g | 25% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.9 g | 25% | |
| Total Sugars | 53.0 g | ||
| Protein | 46.8 g | 94% | |
| Vitamin D | 11.3 mcg | 57% | |
| Calcium | 1393 mg | 107% | |
| Iron | 2.4 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 1693 mg | 36% | |
*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.