Chum Chum - Bengali Dessert
Chum Chum is a popular Bengali (East Indian) sweet dessert that is made with Paneer, (home-made cheese). It is a versatile dish that can be served in many different variations. Here I will show you 3 different ways to serve Chum Chum, either with Pistachios, or with Coconuts or with Malai (cream).
Ingredients
- 4 cups whole milk, paneer
- 2 cups sugar
- 5 cups water
- 1/8 tsp cardamom powder
Ingredients for different For Different Garnishing
- 1 tbs pistachio
- 1 tbs coconut powder
- 2 tbsp cream
Instructions
- Prepare paneer according to recipe “How to Make Paneer”. To test if sufficient water has been removed out of the paneer, take a little piece of paneer in your palm and rub with your fingers. You should be able to make a firm but smooth ball, after 15-20 seconds of rubbing.
- Place the drained paneer on a dry, clean surface and knead it for 3 to 4 minutes until it rolls into smooth soft dough. If the paneer is too crumbly, add a teaspoon of water.
- Divide the paneer dough into 8 equal parts and roll each one into a smooth oval shaped ball.
- For the syrup: In a wide saucepan, bring 5 cups of water to a boil. Add sugar and stir to dissolve completely. Use a large pan as the Chum Chums will double in volume while cooking in the syrup.
- Add the paneer balls to the syrup and bring it back to a boil. Then turn down the heat to medium and cover the pot. Cook for 10 minutes.
- Open the pot cover, turn the chum chums over and cook for another 15 minutes. Check to see if the chum chums appear firm but sponge-like (with little holes on the surface). Turn off the heat and let sit for 10 more minutes.
- Remove the chum chums from the syrup. Serve chill!
- Serving With Pistachios: Cover every Chum Chum with a few pieces of sliced pistachios
- Serving with Coconut Powder: Roll the chum chums in dry coconut
- Serving with Malai (cream): Boil the milk over medium heat until it reduces to ½ its volume. Stir the milk continuously so it doesn’t burn on the bottom of the pot. Add sugar, and cardamom powder. Stir for 2 minutes, and then turn off the heat. While milk is still warm pour 1 tablespoon over every Chum Chum and top with a few pieces of pistachios.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
How to make Chum Chum Recipe: Chum Chum Sweet
Chum Chum is a popular Indian sweet delicacy that originates from the state of West Bengal. This soft and spongy dessert is made from paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and soaked in a sugar syrup flavored with saffron and cardamom.
Chum Chum is known for its delicate texture, subtle sweetness, and vibrant colors, making it a delightful treat for special occasions and celebrations.
Chum Chum are like a luxurious and bigger version of rasgulla although made with richer ingredients such as pistachio and other dry fruits along with garnishing done using cream.
Other Dessert Variations:
- Ras Malai: Rasmalai is a Bengali dessert consisting of soft paneer balls immersed in chilled creamy milk. Like Rasgullas, Rasmalai is also made with homemade cheese known as “paneer” or “chana”. Instead of being soaked in sugar syrup like Rasgullas, Rasmalai is soaked in sweet, flavored milk.
- Kala Jamun: Kala Jamun is a delicious dessert very similar to Gulab Jamun. Kala jamun is an exotic sweet dish served on special occasions. Kala Jamuns have a very unique texture as they are chewy outside and grainy inside.
- Bengali Rasgulla: Bengali Rasgullas are homemade paneer (Cottage cheese) sweet dish, round paneer balls soaked in sugar syrup. This is a delicacy from the state of Bengal, these are very light and delicious, you can never go wrong with Bangali Rasgulla.
- Jalebi: Jalebi is a warm, crispy, delicious treat. It can best be described as funnel cake. In many places jalebi is still served as a breakfast treat like pancakes. It is a treat to have jalebi and kachori for a hearty breakfast.
Tips for Making Perfect Chum Chum:
Use Fresh Paneer: Use fresh and homemade paneer for the best texture and flavor in your Chum Chum. Homemade paneer is softer and creamier than store-bought varieties and yields a more delicate and spongy dessert.
Knead the Paneer Well: Knead the paneer dough thoroughly to ensure a smooth and uniform texture. Proper kneading helps to remove excess moisture from the paneer and creates a soft and pliable dough that’s easy to shape into rolls.
Soak in Sugar Syrup: Allow the paneer rolls to soak in the sugar syrup for at least 4-6 hours or overnight for maximum flavor absorption. The longer the Chum Chum sits in the syrup, the softer and more flavorful it will become.
Garnish Creatively: Get creative with your garnishes and decorations. Sprinkle chopped nuts, edible silver leaf (varak), or dried rose petals on top of your Chum Chum for an elegant and festive presentation.
FAQs about Chum Chum:
Can I make Chum Chum without paneer?
While paneer is the traditional main ingredient in Chum Chum, you can experiment with alternative fillings such as khoya (reduced milk solids) or ricotta cheese for a different texture and flavor profile.
How long does Chum Chum stay fresh?
Chum Chum can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh within the first day or two for optimal taste and texture.
Can I freeze Chum Chum?
While Chum Chum can be frozen, its texture may change slightly upon thawing. If freezing, wrap the Chum Chum tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 1-2 months. Thaw the Chum Chum in the refrigerator before serving.
Is Chum Chum gluten-free?
Yes, Chum Chum is gluten-free as it does not contain any wheat or gluten-containing ingredients. However, be cautious of cross-contamination if you have a severe gluten allergy or celiac disease.
How did Chum Chum got its name?
The name chum chum comes from Bengal, where it originated as a sweet treat. The name mimics the sound “nom nom,” which is fitting because the sweet is soft and fluffy, and you might munch on it like that.
Chum Chum is a delightful and versatile Indian dessert that’s perfect for celebrating special occasions or indulging in a sweet treat. With its soft and spongy texture, subtle sweetness, and endless variations, Chum Chum is sure to captivate your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
Whether enjoyed as a festive dessert or as a comforting indulgence, Chum Chum is a beloved sweet delicacy that’s cherished by people of all ages.
Najeedha
August 22, 2016 at 5:11 amHai manjulaji I made the rasgullas but it is not becoming spongy it becomes hard why?
Manjula Jain
August 22, 2016 at 9:17 pmNajeedha, you did not knead the paneer enough or you use too much lemon juice
jyoti
July 17, 2015 at 1:37 amI tried the recipe but it become too dry when I eat. How can I made it spongy?
Manjula Jain
July 22, 2015 at 5:13 pmjyoti, knead the paneer more
vaishali
May 30, 2015 at 10:26 amHello ma’am
I had tried this recipe today.. And it turned out superb!!
Thankyou 🙂
soni
February 28, 2015 at 8:37 amHi Manjula ji, First of all I want to thank you for providing all the wonderful recipes. Most of the time anything I make from your recipe, turns out perfect. However, when I made chum chum, i think something went wrong. It was the first time I made paneer so maybe I didn’t do it properly. When I dropped the chum chum in sugar, it was fine, after few mins, they puffed up a lott, then when I tried to turn them , i noticed that they were really really soft. AFter 25 minutes, when I took them out on a plate, they were flat. Do you think maybe my paneer was too soft? I did try to take out all the water from it but I didn’t let it sit. I made paneer and immediately started making chum chum. I did kneed it for about 3 mins. I really want to perfect this, so please let me know what I did wrong. Thanks!
Manjula Jain
March 25, 2015 at 8:42 pmSoni, chum chum is little flat or if they were too flat then paneer was toowet.
Jenna
September 11, 2014 at 12:14 pmChum Chum is such an adorable name for a dessert! These look so good. I want to cook them someday.
Amanda
May 5, 2014 at 5:22 pmHi, I just moved to Bangladesh. The cham cham shop uses flour and I’m unable to eat wheat. I’m so glad I found this recipe, but it says the recipe for paneer is gone. What do I do? Thank you.
H.S.Indira
November 12, 2013 at 4:49 amHello Manjulaji, I like your recipes so much, you have become my cooking GURU, You do excellent job of teaching, please keep it up.
Thanks very much,
Indira
Shilpa
October 16, 2013 at 6:34 amHi,
Even I tried your recipe but paneer was floating into tiny pieces after 10 mins 🙁 and I was disappointed to see it. what could have gone wrong ? I tried exactly the way mentioned.
Please suggest.
Manjula Jain
October 16, 2013 at 9:06 pmShilpa,
Paneer was too dry and was not knead
Sameer
April 14, 2013 at 10:48 amThanks much. I tried the recipe, but the chum chum were a bit too dense and slightly flattened. The chum chum I’ve had at methai shops are typically less dense and firmer. Any ideas on what i could have done wrong?
Thanks!
Lubna
January 14, 2013 at 1:26 amMade paneer the way u mntnd,but after immersing the pedas for 10 minutes ,i was shocked to see all of them were crumbled and floating like!like!shiri what could have gone wrong ??
Manjula Jain
January 14, 2013 at 8:47 amLubna,
I think paneer was too dry; you may have squeezed too much water from paneer.
Chandra
December 6, 2012 at 6:08 pmCan the chum chum with malai version be made 3- 4 days in advance or is it better to make plain chum chum and then put the malai dressing on the day I want to serve them?
Manjula Jain
December 7, 2012 at 12:19 amChandra,
Make plain chum chum and put the malai the day you will be serving.
hina
August 18, 2012 at 3:50 amyummy!!!
Boni
April 3, 2012 at 2:58 amhmm… it looks so yummy..!! Chum Chum is my favorite Bengali sweet..
newaj
December 23, 2011 at 4:47 pmI like this recepie.
Quaid Johar
June 30, 2016 at 2:41 pmchum chum are so tasty
Trupti
October 23, 2011 at 9:04 amCan I make malai chum chum in how many days in advance. Also I have to use whip cream for malai?
alpana
October 4, 2011 at 5:36 amHI Aunty,
Can you please tell me what brand of yellow food colour do you use. I could not find anything in the store here in NJ.
Thanks,
alpana
Ekta
August 24, 2016 at 5:49 pmAlpana I used McCormick Yellow color from d regular grocery store..
Yana
August 15, 2011 at 11:54 amA;so can i reuse the same syrup if i am making a big batch or i need to discard the remaining syrup and make new everytime
Yana
August 15, 2011 at 11:52 amAunty
Can I make chum chum with the malai version ahead of time, i mean 4 days in advance or i should make plain chum chum and then put the malai dressing on the day i want to serve.. i am making this for around 20 ppl..
meenu
July 24, 2011 at 1:26 amhi aunty ilove ur recipe it was a great experience 2 make chum chum i love it
Shagufta Sums
July 19, 2011 at 5:22 amLovely awesome thank u 4 helping me wid ur awesome recipe’s.
Mary
March 24, 2011 at 9:52 pmI made this today- followed your recipe exactly, except that I made paneer with low-fat milk. It turned out super delicious- my husband loved it. Thanks for the lovely recipe.
manju
February 13, 2011 at 11:34 amwhen i boil paneer it rises up in the boiled water but when i remove it goes down again, why is it so?,reply soon soooooooooooooooooooon sooooooooooooooon soooooooooooooooooooooon
Shivani
January 18, 2011 at 12:49 pmThanks for the lovely recipe..
Aunty I am looking for Cut Mirchi Recipe with tamirand and without tamirand pulp.. please let me know how to make it.
Thanks
priyanka
January 12, 2011 at 9:53 pmthanks manjula for this recipe
made them tdy, it came out well though not very soft…should i have left it longer to cook?
also, do we have to increase the sugar syrup according to the quantity of paneer, if yes how much for say 8cups of milk.
thanks
regards
Deepu
January 11, 2011 at 2:36 pmHello Aunty,
Can we make chum chum with readymade paneer that we get in indian stores?
Thanks a lot
Deepu
Manjula Jain
January 12, 2011 at 12:28 amDeepu,
Paneer from Indian store is good for every thing else but not for sweets.
Deepu
January 20, 2011 at 2:15 pmThank u so much aunty.
Pinky
January 5, 2011 at 3:00 pmHi auntiji…
Tried both Rasgulla and Chum chum today.. came out very tasty.. however they weren’t as fluffy as the one I had eaten in the bakery .. But really was v happy with taste..my hubby’s fav one:) thanks a lot aunty.. Wish you a very happy new year:)Thank you..
Mrs.Rathi
December 23, 2010 at 12:34 pmHi Manjulaji
I am planning to make these chumchum for my daughter’s b’day party for 20-25 people so wanted to know how earlier can I make them so that they are good to eat and everyone can enjoy them
Please reply whenevr possible
Thanks!
Manjula Jain
December 23, 2010 at 2:32 pmRathi,
Chum Chum will be good for 2 weeks if they are refrigerated.
Renuka
December 22, 2010 at 2:46 pmThank you so much for sharing these recipes and teaching us how to make delicious dishes. I had one question : What is the difference between rasgulla and chum chum ?
Manjula Jain
December 22, 2010 at 5:35 pmRenuka,
Rasgullas are cooked in light syrup and are served with syrup. While Chum Chums are cooked in heavy syrup and cooked longer time. Because of that they are not as spongy and are served several different ways but not with syrup. Because they are cooked in heavy syrup shelf life is also longer.
aish
December 22, 2010 at 12:55 pmHi auntyji,
i tried ur recipe chum chum & it was very nice.All the tips u give is also valuable .i have a question ,
Can u please show us in a video how the paneer we make can be cut into slices becoz it always crumbles & not able to use for preparing side dishes though u have mentioned it in ur video “how to make paneer” .If u can show it by doing then it will be easy for viewers like me than just telling it. Thank u very much.
Manjula Jain
December 22, 2010 at 2:20 pmAish,
I will do the video again for paneer and describe more
aish
December 22, 2010 at 10:01 pmthank u auntyji.
Kanwal
December 9, 2010 at 3:44 amHello aunty! mene cham cham ki recipe try ki magar wo toot gae sugar syrup men plzzz ap mujhe uski wajah btaen or ye bhi btaen k ainda kese karun?
juhi
December 7, 2010 at 3:40 amHello Aunty,
i never thought in my dreams also that i can ever make bengali sweets at home but thankssssssss to you i made chum chum and it came out so nice thank you so much.
love
juhi
Chotu
December 5, 2010 at 7:14 amNamaste Aunty,
Many thanks for this wonderful recipe. Just wanted to ask why you don’t use a pressure cooker to boil the chum chum as you do for the rasagullah and rasmalai?
Also, just to let you know that in East Bengal we also decorate chum chum with dried milk powder (a bit like how you have done with the dessicated coconut) which is very delicious.
Shubhkamnayein, Chotu
Manjula Jain
December 5, 2010 at 10:01 amChotu,
I wanted to show that rasgullas or Chum Chum can be cooked both ways.
Chotu
December 5, 2010 at 11:04 amThanks for the response Aunty, much appreciated! Keep up your excellent work!
Jayashree
November 30, 2010 at 3:41 pmHi.
Great recipe. Was wondering can I prepare this sweet with readymade paneer available in Indian grocery stores?
Thank you for your time & response in advance.
Jayashree
Mary
November 29, 2010 at 2:08 pmExcellent recipe. So well explained, as always. Manjula Aunty, you are to good.
vilekha
November 28, 2010 at 11:15 pmhi manjulaji,
could u plz tell me wht is the difference btwn chum chum and rasgulla…….I feel the recipe is almost same and the taste too……………
mekhala
November 26, 2010 at 5:40 pmDear Manjula ji,
I am trying chomchom right now and I don’t know why they have cracks on them…they look very good and soft…but cracks are the only problem… Do you know what am I doing wrong? Thanks
Mekhala
juhi
November 26, 2010 at 3:48 amHello Aunty,
I tried Chum chum it came out so nice thank youuuu soooo much for the recipe.
love u.
juhi
Beena
November 24, 2010 at 3:56 pmHello Auntie,
WOW!!! So simple to make yet looks very exotic! I’ll make it for my Thanksgiving Dinner:). Thanks a lot for yummy recipies…..
vineelasiva
November 24, 2010 at 11:22 amHai Manjula Aunty yestaerday i saw the recipe chum chum from ur blog and just now i tried it.It came out perfect.Thank u very much for posting the recipe.
Dimpi
November 24, 2010 at 7:15 amWonderful recipe and so easy to make. Will surely give it a try. Thanks
Priya
November 24, 2010 at 1:40 amGreat recipe, thanks a ton mam.
chand
November 23, 2010 at 9:18 pmThanks aunty for all your great recipes,i offer them all to my deities Sri Radhashyamsundar,and we take good prasadam,Thank you very much,you are a great support here.
Tej Singh
November 23, 2010 at 9:28 amThanks a lot!
after learning so much from you website, i should open restaurant by now. Thanks for showing recipes in a simple way. i call your recipes Bullet proof recipes, if i follow all the steps, there is very little chance of making mistakes. Thanks again!!
Lisa
November 23, 2010 at 6:13 amHello thanks for yet another very good post. Where do you get your inspiration for all this?