Cham Cham

Name: Cham Cham
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: Cham Cham

Desserts • India

110

KCAL

PROTEIN (G)

CARBS (G)

2.5

FAT (G)

Data source: IndianCalorie

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About Cham Cham

Oblong chhana sweet soaked in dense sugar syrup, often topped with khoya and coconut. Sweeter, denser cousin of rasgulla — comes in pink, yellow, or white.

How to Make Cham Cham

Traditional + healthy version with step-by-step photos · 35 min total · 2 servings

View full recipe →

How to Make Cham Cham (Traditional & Healthy Version)

Prep: 15 min

Cook: 20 min

2 servings

Medium

Cham Cham, also spelled as Chom Chom or Chum Chum, is a classic Bengali dessert cherished across East India for its soft, spongy texture and delicate sweetness. Originating from the heart of Bengal, Cham Cham is made from fresh chenna (paneer), skillfully shaped and cooked in a fragrant sugar syrup, then garnished with desiccated coconut and sometimes nuts. Its vibrant appearance and melt-in-the-mouth consistency make it a favorite during festive occasions like Durga Puja, Diwali, and Bengali New Year (Poila Baisakh). Cham Cham’s appeal lies not only in its delightful taste but also in its versatility. You’ll find regional variations that incorporate saffron, rose water, or a hint of cardamom, enhancing its aroma and flavor. Traditionally served as a dessert after meals, Cham Cham is perfect for those looking for a lighter sweet treat that balances nutrition and indulgence. Its popularity in Indian households is a testament to its timeless charm, making it a great choice for calorie-conscious food lovers who want to enjoy authentic Indian sweets without guilt. By preparing Cham Cham at home, you can control ingredients and portion sizes, ensuring a healthier, vegetarian dessert. The recipe below offers a step-by-step guide to making Cham Cham, suitable for beginners and experienced cooks alike, with tips to keep the dish light yet satisfying. Whether for a festive celebration or a simple family dinner, Cham Cham is sure to delight your taste buds and honor the rich culinary traditions of East India.

Diabetic-Friendly Weight Loss Kid-Friendly Vegan Adaptable

Allergens: Dairy

Ingredients(for 2 medium-sized Cham Cham per serving)

1 cup Fresh chenna (paneer) (homemade or store-bought)
1/2 cup Sugar (shakkar or white sugar)
2 cups Water (for syrup)
1/4 teaspoon Cardamom powder (elaichi)
1/2 teaspoon Rose water (gulab jal)
2 tablespoons Desiccated coconut (nariyal ka bhura)
1 tablespoon Pistachios (finely chopped, pista) - optional
6-8 strands Saffron strands (kesar) - optional
1 teaspoon Lemon juice (for curdling milk if making chenna) - optional
1 liter Low fat milk (for homemade paneer) - optional

Instructions

1
Prepare chenna (paneer) by boiling low fat milk and curdling it with lemon juice. Strain and rinse with cold water. Hang in muslin cloth for 30 minutes to remove excess whey.
5 minutes
Ensure chenna is soft but not too dry for best texture.
2
Knead the chenna for 5-7 minutes until smooth and pliable. Divide into equal portions and shape into oval Cham Cham pieces.
7 minutes
Kneading well is key for spongy Cham Cham.
3
In a wide pan (patila), dissolve sugar in water and bring to boil. Add cardamom powder and saffron strands.
3 minutes
Use a wide pan to prevent overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
4
Gently add the shaped Cham Cham into boiling syrup. Cover and simmer on medium flame for 15 minutes. The Cham Cham will puff up and double in size.
15 minutes
Do not stir; let Cham Cham cook undisturbed for best results.

Why This Dish is Healthy

This Cham Cham recipe uses low fat milk and moderate sugar, making it lighter than traditional versions. It’s portion-controlled, vegetarian, and incorporates nutrient-rich ingredients like coconut and pistachios. Suitable for calorie-conscious individuals, it’s a healthier alternative to deep-fried Indian sweets. The recipe also allows for further customization to suit dietary needs, making it ideal for healthy dessert lovers.

Cham Cham is a vegetarian dessert rich in protein from chenna (paneer) and provides essential amino acids. The inclusion of nuts like pistachios adds healthy fats and micronutrients such as magnesium and vitamin E. Desiccated coconut offers dietary fiber, while saffron and cardamom contribute antioxidants. With controlled sugar quantity and low fat milk, the dish maintains a balanced macro profile: 220 calories per serving, 6g protein, 38g carbs, and only 5g fat.