Name: Nolen Gurer Sandesh: Authentic Bengali Date Palm Jaggery Fudge
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Cottage Cheese ((fresh indian cheese, or see instructions for making from milk)); ¼ cup Nolen Gur ((date palm jaggery)); 1 Tbsp Pistachios ((chopped, for garnish))

Nolen Gurer Sandesh: Authentic Bengali Date Palm Jaggery Fudge

25 minutes

1127 reads

4.80 from 5 votes

Bengali Homestyle Cooking Indian

About Nolen Gurer Sandesh: Authentic Bengali Date Palm Jaggery Fudge

Transport yourself to Bengal with the exquisite taste of homemade Nolen Gurer Sandesh. This melt-in-your-mouth fudge, infused with the rich caramel notes of nolen gur (date palm jaggery), is a true winter delicacy.

Fresh chena (Indian cheese) is transformed into a delightful confection, perfect for celebrations or a sweet escape any time of day. The simple recipe makes this authentic Bengali treat surprisingly easy to create.

Garnished with pistachios, each bite offers a delightful textural contrast and a taste of Bengali culinary tradition. Indulge in the magic of Nolen Gurer Sandesh!

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Recipe Time & More

Prep15

Cook10

Total25

Calories76 kcal

Serves

Served AsDesserts

Ingredients

▢ 1 cup Cottage Cheese (fresh indian cheese, or see instructions for making from milk)
▢ ¼ cup Nolen Gur (date palm jaggery)
▢ 1 Tbsp Pistachios (chopped, for garnish)

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Instructions

Place the chena in a bowl. If using milk to make chena, first bring the milk to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until it thickens and curdles. Drain the curdled milk through a cheesecloth-lined strainer to separate the chena.
Knead the chena with your hands until it forms a smooth, pliable dough. This process helps to create the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture of the Sandesh.
Add the nolen gur to the chena dough. Knead thoroughly until the jaggery is evenly distributed and the dough is firm.
Shape the dough into small rounds or use a mold to create desired shapes. Press chopped pistachios onto the tops for garnish.
Serve the Nolen Gurer Sandesh immediately and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Good To Know

If you can't find nalen gud, try using a high-quality liquid date syrup or shakkar (unrefined cane sugar) as a substitute, but note that the characteristic flavor will differ; consider adding a small pinch of ground cardamom to complement the alternative sweetener.
For extra creaminess, knead the chena for 8-10 minutes until it feels smooth and slightly oily to the touch—this helps achieve that signature melt-in-the-mouth texture.
To make a vegan version, use almond or soy milk to make the chena, and set it with lemon juice; the flavor will be slightly different but pairs wonderfully with the caramel notes of nalen gud.
Serve Nalen Guder Sandesh slightly chilled and garnish each piece with edible silver leaf (varak) or a dusting of finely chopped pistachios for an elegant festive presentation.

Expert Tips

For a richer flavor, lightly toast the pistachios before chopping and using as a garnish.
If the sandesh mixture is too crumbly, add a teaspoon or two of warm milk or cream to help bind it.
Experiment with different molds to create unique shapes for your sandesh.