By Paneer Kalakand is a popular Indian sweet made from paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and condensed milk. It has a rich, creamy texture and a delightful taste.
Preparation Of Paneer Kalakand:
Ingredients:
- 400 grams paneer (Indian cottage cheese), grated or crumbled
- 400 grams sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- A pinch of saffron (optional)
- Chopped nuts (such as almonds or pistachios) for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare Paneer: If you’re using store-bought paneer, grate or crumble it. If using homemade paneer, ensure it’s well-drained and crumbled.
- Cooking Process:
- Heat a non-stick pan or a heavy-bottomed pan on medium heat.
- Add the crumbled paneer and condensed milk to the pan.
- Stir continuously to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Cook until the mixture thickens and starts leaving the sides of the pan. This usually takes around 15-20 minutes. The mixture should have a grainy texture.
- Add Flavors:
- Once the mixture thickens, add cardamom powder and saffron threads (if using). Mix well.
- Set Kalakand:
- Transfer the mixture to a greased plate or tray. Spread it evenly using a spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Garnish the top with chopped nuts, gently pressing them into the mixture.
- Chill and Cut:
- Let the kalakand cool down to room temperature.
- Then, refrigerate for a few hours until it sets completely.
- Once set, cut the kalakand into squares or diamond shapes using a sharp knife.
- Serve:
- Serve the delicious Paneer Kalakand as a dessert or sweet treat.
Tips:
- Make sure to use a non-stick pan or a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent the mixture from sticking and burning.
- You can adjust the sweetness according to your taste preference by adding more or less condensed milk.
- For variation, you can add other flavorings such as rose water, kewra water, or nutmeg.
- Saffron adds a nice aroma and a subtle flavor to the kalakand. If you don’t have saffron, you can skip it.
- Store Paneer Kalakand in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for a few days.
- Enjoy this delightful Indian sweet with friends and family on special occasions or festivals!
