Authentic Indian Peda: A Delicious Milky Sweet Delight

Ingredients

  • 1 liter Full fat milk
  • 1/2 cup Sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cardamom powder
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons Chopped nuts for garnishing

Steps and instructions

  1. Pour the full fat milk into a heavy bottomed pan and bring it to a boil.
  2. Reduce the heat to medium and continue boiling the milk until it reduces to half of its original volume.
  3. Add the lemon juice to the milk, stirring continuously until the milk curdles.
  4. Drain the curdled milk using a muslin cloth or fine strainer, then rinse it under cold water to remove the lemon flavor.
  5. Press the muslin cloth to remove all the water from the milk solids. The solid left is called chenna or paneer.
  6. Knead the paneer well until it turns into a smooth dough. This may take about 7-8 minutes.
  7. Add sugar and cardamom powder to the paneer and mix well.
  8. Heat this mixture in a non-stick pan on low heat, stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts leaving the sides of the pan.
  9. Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool for a while.
  10. Once it is cool enough to handle, divide the mixture into small portions and shape each portion into a small round flat peda.
  11. Garnish each peda with chopped nuts and serve.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Adding saffron strands to the milk while boiling to give the peda a subtle saffron flavor.
  • Incorporating a teaspoon of rose water or kewra water for a floral twist.
  • Mixing in a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the dough for chocolate pedas.
  • Replacing the regular sugar with jaggery for a healthier alternative.
  • Adding a pinch of nutmeg powder along with the cardamom powder for a warm and aromatic taste.
  • Including a tablespoon of desiccated coconut in the dough for coconut pedas.
  • Garnishing with silver varq (edible silver foil) for a festive touch.

Recipe overview

Peda is a popular Indian sweet delicacy, made with full fat milk, sugar, and flavored with cardamom. Originating from the Northern parts of India, this sweet dish is now loved and enjoyed across the country. This soft and grainy sweet is often garnished with chopped nuts, adding a delightful crunch to each bite. Making Peda at home might seem challenging, but it’s straightforward once you break it down. Essentially, you'll be boiling milk until it reduces, curdling it with lemon juice, and then mixing it with sugar and cardamom. This mixture is then shaped into small, round pedas, and garnished with chopped nuts. By following our step-by-step guide, you can make delicious and authentic Peda at home. Enjoy this sweet treat with family and friends on special occasions or as a dessert after a meal. Enjoy the process and the delicious end result!

Common questions

  1. Can I use low-fat milk for this recipe?
  2. No, it is recommended to use full-fat milk for the best results.
  3. Can I use any other citrus fruit juice instead of lemon juice?
  4. No, lemon juice is commonly used in this recipe as it helps in curdling the milk.
  5. How long does it take for the milk to reduce to half the volume?
  6. It usually takes around 30-40 minutes, but the time may vary depending on the heat level.
  7. Should I use roasted or raw nuts for garnishing?
  8. You can use either roasted or raw nuts based on your preference. Both work well as a garnish.
  9. Can I store the pedas?
  10. Yes, you can store the pedas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
  11. Can I double the recipe?
  12. Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger batch. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Heavy bottomed pan - A pan with a thick base to prevent the milk from burning or sticking to the bottom.
  • Muslin cloth or fine strainer - Used to strain the curdled milk and separate the solids from the whey.
  • Non-stick pan - Ideal for heating and cooking the peda mixture evenly without sticking.
  • Mixing spoon - Used to stir and mix the ingredients while cooking.
  • Chopping board - Required for chopping the nuts that will be used for garnishing.
  • Knife - Used to chop the nuts into smaller pieces.

Origin stories

Peda, a sweet delicacy that has become synonymous with festive and religious celebrations in India, traces its roots back to the state of Uttar Pradesh. Interestingly, the town of Mathura, a place deeply entwined with the epic tales of Lord Krishna, is well-known for its special rendition of peda, often called 'Mathura Ka Peda'. The legendary story goes that pedas were first made in Mathura thousands of years ago and were a favorite sweet of Lord Krishna. Today, pedas hold a special place in Indian celebrations, not just as a dessert, but as a token of good luck and prosperity. These delicacies, infused with the taste of tradition and mythology, continue to be an integral part of Indian culture and cuisine.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.