Pineapple Sandesh brings a tropical twist to the classic Bengali dessert. Growing up, I make this version often at home. The soft, milky sweetness of paneer pairs beautifully with juicy pineapple, while coconut adds a subtle crunch. It is a dessert that manages to be both refreshing and rich at the same time.
About the Recipe
This recipe takes traditional Sandesh in a new direction with the addition of pineapple. The process is straightforward – kneading, shaping, and minimal cooking. You will need fresh paneer, which you can make at home or buy from any Indian grocery store. I always keep my pan on low heat while cooking the paneer mixture to prevent it from becoming grainy.
Why you will love this recipe
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. The paneer base is easy to work with, and the pineapple adds natural sweetness and moisture. You can adjust the sugar level to your taste, and the coconut garnish brings visual appeal and texture. The entire process takes less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute entertaining.
Pineapple Sandesh
Cooking Tips
Use fresh, well-drained paneer for the best texture. Knead the paneer thoroughly until smooth before adding sugar. Keep the heat very low when cooking the mixture to prevent the paneer from becoming grainy. Let the mixture cool completely before shaping. For uniform portions, use an ice cream scoop to measure the paneer mixture.
Serving and Storing Suggestions
Serves 8-10 people. Prep time: 20 minutes. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serve cold as a dessert or with afternoon tea. Remove from refrigerator 10 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Pineapple Sandesh
Ingredients
- 750 gms Paneer (Indian cottage cheese)
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1 cup Pineapple Slices
- A few drops of Pineapple Essence
For Garnish:
- 2 tbsp Grated Coconut
- 1 tbsp Sugar
- A little Pink Food Coloring
Instructions
- Knead the paneer with sugar for 2-3 minutes until it becomes smooth.
- Heat the mixture in a heavy pan over low flame for about 2 minutes or until the sugar melts. Remove from heat and allow it to cool.
- Add a few drops of pineapple essence to the paneer mixture and knead again until it's well incorporated.
- Cut the pineapple slices into halves.
- In a mixie, grind the grated fresh coconut without adding water.
- Mix the ground coconut with sugar and heat until the sugar melts. Add a touch of pink food coloring if desired.
- Shape the coconut mixture into small balls.
- To assemble, place one piece of pineapple on a serving tray.
- Spread the paneer mixture on top of the pineapple slice.
- Sprinkle a little syrup from the pineapple on the paneer.
- Decorate your Pineapple Sandesh with the tiny coconut balls on top.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I use canned pineapple slices for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned pineapple slices, but fresh pineapple adds a wonderful, natural sweetness to the Sandesh.
What’s the shelf life of Pineapple Sandesh?
Pineapple Sandesh is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2-3 days. However, the texture may change slightly over time.
Are there other variations of Sandesh I can try?
Absolutely! Sandesh is a versatile sweet, and you can experiment with flavours like mango, cardamom, or saffron to create different variations.
What’s a suitable pairing for Pineapple Sandesh?
Enjoy Pineapple Sandesh with a cup of masala chai or serve it as a sweet ending to a traditional Indian meal, alongside dishes like Biryani or Chole Bhature.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegan version of Sandesh by using vegan paneer or tofu and substituting dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like almond milk or coconut cream
Note: image is for illustration purposes only and not that of the actual recipe.
