Alternative names | Chhena jhilapi |
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Course | Dessert |
Place of origin | India, Bangladesh |
Region or state | Odisha |
Main ingredients | Cottage cheese or chenna, sugar |
Variations | Jalebi, jilapi |
Chhena jalebi (Odia: ଛେନା ଝିଲାପି) is a sweet dish originally from coastal Odisha in eastern India, a state known for desserts made of chhena. Its popularity has spread beyond coastal Odisha. It is also made in modern-day Bangladesh.
Chhena jhilapis are made in a manner very similar to regular jalebis which are popular throughout India. However, the basic ingredient is fresh curd cheese called chhenna. Fresh chhena is thoroughly kneaded and rolled up into shapes similar to pretzels, before being deep fried. The fully fried chhena pretzels are then soaked in a sugary syrup. Chhena jhilapis are served either hot or chilled.