Jharkhand is known for an amazing array of local food, especially sweets. Desserts like mitha khaja, lakatho, til barfi and Kheer Mohan deserve some extta attention owing to their populairty. The ‘Kheer Mohan’ from Hazaribagh’s Chauparan is extremely popular with locals and tourists, and is also available widely across East India. However, very few people know about the historical significance of this sweet which is a staple in Jharkhad's cuisine.
Kheer Mohan is made primarily from chhena, which is a fresh, unripened curd cheese similar to paneer. The chhena is kneaded and shaped into round balls or discs, which are then deep-fried to achieve a golden-brown color.
After frying, these balls are soaked in a sugar syrup flavored with cardamom and sometimes saffron, infusing them with a delicate sweetness and aromatic richness. The outer layer of Kheer Mohan has a slightly crisp texture, while the inside remains soft and moist, offering a delightful contrast that makes each bite a treat.
The Kheer Mohan of Chauparan is not just a sweet but has a longstanding legacy. The shop where it is was popularised was established in 1932 and has emerged as a popular traveler stop along the historic Grand Trunk (GT) Road. The shop was founded by a Chauparan local and according to reports, the sweet was primarily experienced by the British owing to its high cost and was considered an indulgence.
During the Quit India Movement, Mahatma Gandhi himself had a chance to sample some kheer mohan during his travels and he was apparently so impressed with its taste that that he shared it with fellow freedom fighters. Since then the sweet’s legacy has only strengthened with more and more tourists being drawn to Hazaribagh, to taste this syrupy dessert.