Traditional Pedakiya: A Delicious Indian Sweet Dish Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup ghee (clarified butter), plus extra for frying
  • 1/4 cup cold water
  • 1 cup khoya (dried whole milk or milk thickened by heating)
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped dried fruits (like almonds, cashews, and raisins)
  • 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
  • Pinch of salt

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of ghee, and a pinch of salt. Mix well.
  2. Add the cold water gradually to the flour mixture while kneading to form a soft, non-sticky dough. Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes.
  3. In a pan, heat 1/4 cup of ghee. Add the khoya, powdered sugar, chopped dried fruits, cardamom powder, cinnamon powder, nutmeg, and fennel seeds.
  4. Stir continuously on low heat until the khoya melts and the mixture thickens. Allow this mixture to cool.
  5. Divide the dough into small equal portions and roll each portion into a small circle. Place a spoonful of the khoya mixture in the center of each circle.
  6. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-circle shape and seal the edges carefully. Repeat this process with all the dough and filling.
  7. Heat ghee in a frying pan and gently slide the pedakiyas into the hot ghee. Fry on low heat until they are golden brown on both sides.
  8. Remove the pedakiyas from the ghee and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Let them cool before serving.

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for combining the flour and ghee to make the dough.
  • Pan - A cooking pan for heating the ghee and preparing the khoya mixture.
  • Frying Pan - A pan for frying the pedakiyas in ghee.
  • Spoon - To stir and mix the khoya mixture while cooking.
  • Rolling Pin - To roll the dough into small circles.
  • Paper Towels - To drain excess oil from the fried pedakiyas.

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier alternative.
  • Replace ghee with vegetable oil for a vegan version of the recipe.
  • Add a hint of rose water or saffron to the khoya mixture for a fragrant twist.
  • Experiment with different dried fruits like pistachios, dates, or apricots to vary the flavor profile.
  • Add a tablespoon of semolina to the dough for a slightly crunchy texture.
  • For a savory version, substitute the sweet khoya filling with a mixture of spiced mashed potatoes or paneer (Indian cottage cheese).
  • Instead of frying, try baking the pedakiyas in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until they turn golden brown.
  • For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
  • Add a sprinkle of powdered cardamom or cinnamon on top of the fried pedakiyas for additional flavor.
  • Serve the pedakiyas with a drizzle of honey or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.

Recipe overview

A beloved sweet treat hailing from the Indian subcontinent, Pedakiya is a traditional delicacy often made during festive occasions. This pastry-like dessert is filled with a rich, sweet mixture of khoya (dried whole milk), sugar, and an aromatic blend of spices, all encased in a crispy dough shell. The process of making Pedakiya involves kneading a soft dough, preparing a flavorful filling, and then frying the filled dough to golden perfection. Though it involves a few steps, the end result is incredibly satisfying: a sweet, decadent treat with a delightful crunch. This recipe will guide you through the process, providing clear, step-by-step instructions to ensure your Pedakiya turns out beautifully. Enjoy the process of creating and savoring this traditional dessert, and immerse yourself in the richness of Indian cuisine.

Common questions

  1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
  2. Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. However, the texture and taste of the pedakiyas may be slightly different.
  3. Can I use butter instead of ghee?
  4. While ghee provides a traditional flavor to the pedakiyas, you can use butter as a substitute if needed. Keep in mind that the taste and texture may vary slightly.
  5. What can I use as a replacement for khoya?
  6. If you cannot find khoya, you can use milk powder mixed with a little milk to form a thick paste as a substitute.
  7. Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
  8. Absolutely! You can get creative and add other ingredients like grated coconut, finely chopped nuts, or even chocolate chips to the filling to customize the flavor.
  9. How should I store the pedakiyas?
  10. Store the pedakiyas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to store them for a longer period, refrigerate them.
  11. Can I make the pedakiyas in advance?
  12. Yes, you can prepare the pedakiyas in advance and fry them when needed. Just make sure to keep the filled pedakiyas covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for combining the flour and ghee to make the dough.
  • Pan - A cooking pan to heat the ghee and melt the khoya mixture.
  • Rolling Pin - A tool used to roll the dough into small circles.
  • Spoon - A utensil for stirring the khoya mixture and filling the pedakiyas.
  • Frying Pan - A pan used for frying the pedakiyas in ghee.
  • Paper Towels - Use paper towels to drain excess oil from the fried pedakiyas.

Origin stories

Pedakiya, a delightful treat hailing from the Indian state of Bihar, is traditionally savored during the festival of Teej, a monsoon festival celebrated by women. Each Pedakiya, a sweet half-moon shaped pastry, is painstakingly handcrafted, filled with a rich mixture of khoya and dry fruits, and then deep-fried to a golden perfection. Bihari households resound with the soft rustling of flour and the sizzle of frying during Teej, as women gather to make these intricate pastries. The Pedakiya is not just a dessert, but a cherished symbol of community, tradition, and joyous celebration.

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.