Cardamom-Infused Chenna Balls

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Simple Bengali sweet balls made from fresh cottage cheese, gently sweetened with cardamom and rose water. This indian (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs fresh chenna, sugar, teaspoon cardamom powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Serves 8 Indian cuisine 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Crumble 1 cup fresh chenna into a bowl. Add 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder, and 1 teaspoon rose water.
  2. Step 2: Mix gently with a spoon until the mixture holds together when pressed. If too dry, add 1/4 teaspoon more rose water.
  3. Step 3: Form mixture into 1.5-inch balls using wet hands. Place on a parchment-lined plate.
  4. Step 4: Let rest for 30 minutes to set before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cardamom-Infused Chenna Balls take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cardamom-Infused Chenna Balls?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fresh chenna from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cardamom-Infused Chenna Balls?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cardamom-Infused Chenna Balls for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Cardamom-Infused Chenna Balls vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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