Chhena
Also known as:
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Also known as:
Per 100g
Nutrition data source: USDA FoodData Central
Common measurement equivalents in grams
A delightful Odia sweet made from fresh cottage cheese (chhena), deep-fried to a perfect golden brown and soaked in a fragrant cardamom-infused sugar syrup. It's soft, spongy, and incredibly delicious.
A classic Odia sweet made from fresh chhena (paneer), lightly fried until golden brown and soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup. It has a delightful, slightly chewy and grainy texture that sets it apart from other Indian sweets.
A rustic and flavorful curry from Odisha, featuring soft, freshly made cheese (chhena) simmered in a spicy and tangy tomato-onion gravy. This traditional dish is a delightful alternative to the usual paneer curries.
A legendary Odia dessert, this baked cheese cake is made from fresh chhena, sugar, and semolina. It boasts a beautifully caramelized crust and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, a true delight from Odisha.
Yes, Chhena is a highly nutritious dairy product. It provides 18.3g of protein per 100g, which is essential for muscle repair, and is rich in calcium and phosphorus for bone health. However, because it contains 22.5g of fat, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Chhena is an excellent vegetarian protein source, containing approximately 18.3g of protein per 100g. This high protein content makes it ideal for muscle building, tissue repair, and maintaining satiety throughout the day.
Chhena can be part of a weight loss diet due to its high protein content, which helps you feel full longer. However, it is calorie-dense at 290 calories per 100g, so it is important to monitor portion sizes to avoid exceeding your daily caloric goals.
No, Chhena is not vegan. It is a fresh dairy product made by curdling animal milk (usually cow or buffalo milk) with an acidic agent like lemon juice or vinegar.
Yes, Chhena is suitable for a ketogenic diet. It contains only 3.5g of carbohydrates per 100g while providing a high amount of healthy fats (22.5g) and protein, making it an excellent low-carb food choice.
Chhena and Paneer start as the same curdled milk product, but Chhena is the soft, moist, unpressed curd. Paneer is created when Chhena is pressed to remove excess whey, resulting in a firm block that can be sliced.
Chhena is most commonly used in Indian confectionery to make sweets like Rasgulla, Sandesh, and Rasmalai because of its soft, grainy texture. It can also be used in savory scrambles or as a nutritious filling for stuffed breads.
Chhena is a versatile ingredient found in cuisines around the world. With 290 calories per 100g and 18.3 grams of protein, it's a nutritious addition to many dishes.
Explore more ingredients in the dairy category with complete nutrition information.
View all dairy →Because of its high moisture content, fresh Chhena has a short shelf life. It should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 2 to 3 days for the best taste and safety.
Freezing Chhena is generally not recommended if you plan to make traditional sweets, as the process changes its delicate texture and makes it crumbly. It is best used fresh, though frozen Chhena can still be used in cooked savory dishes.
Yes, Chhena is considered very easy to digest compared to many other dairy products. The curdling process partially breaks down the milk proteins, making it a gentle protein source for children, the elderly, and those with sensitive stomachs.