Chhena Jhili

Introduction
Deep-fried balls of fresh chhena (cottage cheese) soaked in light sugar syrup, soft and spongy like mini rasgullas.

Historical Relevance
Believed to have originated from Nimapada in Puri district, this dish was created by a local sweet maker named Aaradana Das.

1. Preparing the Chhena Jhili
   Ingredients:
   1 cup fresh chhena
   1 tbsp flour
   1 tbsp semolina
   Cardamom powder
   Sugar syrup (1:1 water to sugar ratio)
   Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Knead chhena with flour and semolina into a smooth dough.
   
2. Shape into small balls and deep fry till golden.
   
3. Soak in warm sugar syrup with cardamom.
   

Pro Tips
Use freshly curdled chhena; avoid over-kneading to keep texture airy.

Serving Suggestions
Serve warm as dessert after an Odia thali.

Fun Fact
This sweet inspired several local variants of rasgulla across Odisha.