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:

Make the Chhana:

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

Prepare the Bara Dough:

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

Fry the Bara:

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

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