Chhena poda

Chhena poda is a cheese dessert from the Indian state of Odisha. Chhena poda literally means Baked Cheese in Odia. It is made of well-kneaded homemade fresh cheese chhena, sugar, semolina, and is baked for several hours until it browns. Chhena poda is known as one of the Indian dessert whose flavor is predominantly derived from the caramelisation of sugar.

History
Chhenapoda was invented by Sudarsan Sahu post 1947 after he set up a hotel in the village of Dashapalla and began experimenting with left over cottage cheese.

Chhenapoda Dibasa is being celebrated since 11 April 2022, the birth anniversary of Sudarsan Sahoo.

Preparation
Chhena poda is usually made at home during traditional festivals in Odisha, such as Durga Puja. Since the mid-1980s, it has gradually found its place in restaurant menus across Odisha. Odisha Milk Federation is investing heavily in mass-producing and popularising this delicacy, determined not to let this happen again.