Chenna Tarkari

Introduction
Chenna Tarkari is a lesser-known vegetarian delight from Odisha, made from soft cottage cheese cubes simmered in a mildly spiced tomato-onion gravy. A temple-style dish full of nutrition and flavor.

Historical Relevance

Chenna Tarkari traces its roots to Odisha’s Jagannath Temple traditions, where chenna-based dishes were offered as part of Mahaprasad. Over time, it became a festive delicacy in Odia households, blending temple cuisine with community feasts.

1. Prepping the Chenna
Ingredients:

• 1 litre milk
  

• 2 tbsp lemon juice
  

• Muslin cloth
  

• Instructions:

• Boil milk and curdle with lemon juice.
  

• Drain using a cloth. Let set for 30 mins. Cut into cubes.
  

2. Making the Curry

Ingredients:

• 1 onion, chopped

• 1 tomato, chopped

• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste

• ½ tsp turmeric, ½ tsp chili powder

• Salt to taste

• 2 tbsp oil

Instructions:

Heat oil, sauté onion, ginger-garlic paste till golden.

Add tomatoes, spices, and cook into a masala.

Add chenna cubes and a little water. Simmer 10 mins.

3. Pro Tips for Perfect Tarkari

Use fresh homemade chenna for softness.

Don’t over-stir, or the cubes may crumble.

4. Serving Suggestions
Goes well with puris, rotis, or steamed rice.

5. Fun Fact
This dish is part of the Odia temple cuisine and is completely satvik (no onion/garlic version available too).