### Mawa Peda: A Festive Delight for Holi, Diwali, and Navratri
Mawa peda, frequently referred to as khoya peda, is an opulent and sumptuous Indian confection that suits celebrations and festive occasions such as Holi, Diwali, and Navratri. This calorie-laden treat is difficult to resist and is crafted from khoya, which is made by simmering full-fat milk over low heat until it diminishes to one-fourth of its original volume.
#### Ingredients
– Full-fat milk (for producing mawa)
– Sugar
– Saffron-infused milk
– Cardamom powder
– Chopped nuts (for topping)
#### Making Mawa (Khoya)
1. **Prepare Mawa**: Start by boiling full-fat milk in a heavy-bottomed vessel. Cook it on a low flame, continually stirring to avoid it from adhering to the bottom. Keep cooking until the milk thickens to a dense consistency, roughly one-fourth of its initial volume. This concentrated milk is referred to as mawa or khoya.
2. **Cool the Mawa**: After the mawa is prepared, let it cool to room temperature.
#### Making Mawa Peda
1. **Combine Ingredients**: To the cooled mawa, mix in sugar, saffron-infused milk, and cardamom powder. Stir well to ensure even distribution.
2. **Cook the Mixture**: Return the mixture to low heat and cook it while stirring persistently. The mixture should begin to separate from the sides of the pan when it is done. This signals that the peda mixture is properly cooked.
3. **Shape the Peda**: After the mixture has sufficiently cooled, take small portions and shape them into balls or slightly flatten them into round discs.
4. **Garnish**: Top each peda with chopped nuts of your preference, such as almonds or pistachios, for added taste and texture.
5. **Serve**: Allow the mawa peda to cool entirely before serving. They can be kept in an airtight container and enjoyed during festive occasions.
#### Tips
– **Using Store-Bought Mawa**: For those seeking a faster approach, store-bought mawa can be used, which significantly cuts down on the preparation time for making mawa peda.
– **Flavor Variations**: Feel free to get creative with different flavors by incorporating elements like cocoa powder or dried fruits into the mawa mixture.
Mawa peda is not merely a delightful delicacy but also a representation of celebration during festivities. Whether prepared from scratch or with store-bought mawa, this sweet treat is sure to impress at any festive gathering. Savor the rich flavors and the joy of sharing this classic Indian sweet with loved ones.