Name: Chanar Payesh
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 1 servings
Ingredients: 1 l low-fat milk or skim milk; 0.5 cup fresh homemade chhena (cottage cheese); 0 2 (3 tablespoons stevia or another sugar substitute, adjusted to taste); 0.5 tsp cardamom powder; 0 A few strands of saffron (optional) (optional); 0 A handful of chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios) (use in moderation)

Instructions

Start by making fresh homemade chhena (cottage cheese) using the same process as mentioned in the previous recipe.
Crumble the chhena into small pieces, ensuring there are no lumps.
In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat the low-fat or skim milk over medium heat. Be careful not to let it boil over.
Once the milk is hot, add the chhena to it. Stir gently to combine and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the milk thickens.
Add the saffron strands (soaked in a little warm milk), cardamom powder, and your sugar substitute. Stir until the sweetener dissolves. Adjust the sweetness to your preference.
Continue simmering for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. If the mixture thickens too much, you can add a little extra skim milk to adjust the consistency.
Remove the pan from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
Once the Chhanar Payesh is at room temperature, refrigerate it for a few hours until it's chilled and ready to serve.
Just before serving, garnish with a moderate amount of chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
This lighter version of Chhanar Payesh retains the creamy texture and delightful taste while reducing sugar and using low-fat milk. Enjoy your diet-friendly Chhanar Payesh as a guilt-free dessert.