Malai Peda Recipe

Malai Peda is a popular Indian sweet that originates from the state of Uttar Pradesh. It’s a delicious treat made from condensed milk (mawa or khoya), sugar, and flavored with cardamom and sometimes saffron. The texture is soft and creamy, and it’s often garnished with nuts like pistachios or almonds.

Here’s a simple recipe for Malai Peda:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup khoya (mawa or dried milk solids), grated
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
• 1 tablespoon milk (if using saffron)
• Chopped pistachios or almonds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare Saffron Milk (if using saffron):
   • If using saffron, warm 1 tablespoon of milk and add saffron strands to it. Let it steep for a few minutes to infuse the milk with saffron flavor and color.
2. Making the Malai Peda:
   • Heat a non-stick pan on low-medium heat and add the grated khoya to it.
   • Stir continuously to prevent it from sticking to the bottom and to ensure even heating.
   • Cook the khoya for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes soft and starts to melt.
3. Adding Sugar:
   • Once the khoya is soft, add powdered sugar and mix well.
   • Continue to cook the mixture on low heat. The sugar will melt and the mixture will become slightly liquidy.
4. Flavoring:
   • Add cardamom powder (and the saffron milk, if using saffron) to the mixture.
   • Mix well to incorporate the flavors evenly.
5. Cooking until Thickened:
   • Cook the mixture further on low heat until it thickens and starts to leave the sides of the pan.
   • This process may take around 5-10 minutes. Keep stirring continuously to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
6. Forming Pedas:
   • Once the mixture thickens and reaches a dough-like consistency, remove it from heat and let it cool slightly.
   • Grease your palms with a little ghee or oil, take a small portion of the mixture, and roll it into smooth balls.
   • Flatten the balls slightly to give them a peda shape. You can also press a piece of chopped pistachio or almond on top for garnish.
7. Serve:
   • Your Malai Pedas are ready to be served! You can enjoy them warm or at room temperature.
8. Storage:
   • Store Malai Pedas in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay good for about a week.