Chanar Bara

Chanar Bara, also known as "Chhana Vada," is a popular Bengali snack made from freshly made chhana (paneer or cottage cheese).

Ingredients:

For making Chhana (Paneer):

• 1 liter milk
• 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar
• Ice cubes (for soaking chhana)

For Chanar Bara:

• Freshly made chhana (paneer) from 1 liter of milk
• 1 tablespoon semolina (sooji)
• 2-3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (maida)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (coriander) leaves
• Salt to taste
• Oil for deep frying

Instructions:

1. Make the Chhana:

   • Boil milk in a heavy pan.
   • Add lemon juice or vinegar slowly while stirring until whey separates.
   • Strain the curds using a muslin cloth.
   • Rinse under cold water and squeeze out excess water.
   • Hang the cloth for 30 minutes to fully drain.

2. Prepare the Bara Dough:

   • Place chhana in a bowl.
   • Add semolina, maida, baking powder, baking soda, chilies, ginger, cilantro, and salt.
   • Mix into a soft dough. Add a tablespoon of milk if needed.
   • Shape into small discs.

3. Fry the Bara:

   • Heat oil in a deep frying pan on medium heat.
   • Fry the bara in batches until golden brown and crisp.
   • Remove and drain on paper towels.

Enjoy the crispy and flavorful Chanar Bara as a delicious Bengali snack!