### Mawa Peda: How to Create Mawa Peda (Khoya Peda) for Festivals Such as Holi, Diwali, and Navratri
Mawa peda, referred to as khoya peda, is a scrumptious Indian dessert that makes an excellent addition to your festive spread during occasions like Holi, Diwali, and Navratri. This rich delicacy is filled with flavor and calories, making it a tempting treat.
#### What is Mawa?
Mawa, or khoya, is derived from cooking full-fat milk over a low flame until it reduces to one-fourth of its original volume. The resulting concoction is thick and creamy, forming the foundation for various Indian desserts, including mawa peda.
#### Ingredients
– 2 cups of mawa (khoya)
– 1 cup of sugar (adjust based on preference)
– 1/4 cup of saffron-infused milk
– 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom powder
– Chopped nuts for decoration (almonds, pistachios, etc.)
#### Instructions
1. **Prepare Mawa**: If preparing mawa from scratch, utilize the khoya recipe to condense the milk. This task may take a while but is crucial for genuine flavor.
2. **Combine Ingredients**: In a heavy-duty pan, mix the prepared mawa, sugar, saffron-infused milk, and cardamom powder.
3. **Cook Mixture**: Cook the mixture on a low flame, stirring constantly. It will begin to thicken and eventually detach from the sides of the pan. This procedure may take approximately 10-15 minutes.
4. **Cool the Mixture**: After achieving the desired consistency, take it off the heat and let it cool slightly.
5. **Shape the Peda**: When the mixture is cool enough to manage, grease your hands with a bit of ghee and take small portions of the mixture. Form them into small balls or flatten them into discs.
6. **Garnish**: Place a piece of chopped nut on top of each peda for decoration.
7. **Set and Serve**: Let the pedas cool completely before serving. They can be kept in an airtight container and enjoyed during the festive period.
#### Tips
– If you opt for store-bought mawa, the preparation time is considerably less, making it simpler to prepare this sweet delight.
– Modify the sweetness to match your taste by adjusting the sugar quantity.
– Explore flavors by incorporating various nuts or essences.
Mawa peda is not just a delightful indulgence for your palate but also a fantastic way to commemorate the joyous celebrations of Holi, Diwali, and Navratri. Enjoy crafting and sharing this sweet with loved ones during the festive season!