# Mawa Peda: A Celebratory Treat for Holi, Diwali, and Navratri
Mawa peda, often referred to as khoya peda, is a classic Indian dessert that brings an element of luxury to any festive occasion. With its rich, velvety texture and pleasing taste, it is particularly favored during celebrations like Holi, Diwali, and Navratri. This indulgent delicacy is crafted from mawa (khoya), made by simmering full-fat milk until it thickens. The resulting sweetness is not just delectable but also embodies a heartfelt effort, making it a beloved choice on festive menus.
## What is Mawa Peda?
Mawa peda is a sweet treat primarily composed of mawa, sugar, and infused with cardamom and saffron. The creation of mawa entails gently simmering full-fat milk on low heat until it condenses to one-fourth of its initial volume. This concentrated milk is then sweetened and flavored, shaped into small, round balls, and adorned with nuts.
### Ingredients
To prepare mawa peda, gather the following ingredients:
– **For Mawa (Khoya):**
– 1 liter full-fat milk
– **For Mawa Peda:**
– 2 cups mawa (made from the above)
– 1 cup sugar (modify as per taste)
– 1/4 cup saffron-infused milk (optional)
– 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
– Chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, or pistachios) for garnish
## How to Make Mawa Peda
### Step 1: Prepare Mawa (Khoya)
1. **Boil the Milk:** In a heavy pan, bring the full-fat milk to a boil over medium heat.
2. **Simmer the Milk:** After boiling, turn the heat down to low and let it simmer. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.
3. **Reduce the Milk:** Continue cooking until the milk thickens and reduces to about one-fourth of its initial volume. This may take 1 to 2 hours.
4. **Cool the Mawa:** Once thickened, take the pan off the heat and let the mawa cool.
### Step 2: Make Mawa Peda
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In the same pan, mix the prepared mawa, sugar, saffron-infused milk, and cardamom powder. Stir well.
2. **Cook the Mixture:** On low heat, cook the mixture, stirring continuously until it pulls away from the pan and resembles a dough. This typically takes 10-15 minutes.
3. **Cool the Mixture:** Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly until it is easy to handle.
4. **Shape the Peda:** Lightly grease your palms with ghee (clarified butter) and take small portions of the mixture. Roll into balls or flatten slightly to create discs.
5. **Garnish:** Place a piece of chopped nut on top of each peda for decoration.
### Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
Your delightful mawa peda is now ready for serving! These sweets can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They make a wonderful offering during festivals and are guaranteed to impress your family and friends.
## Tips for Making Perfect Mawa Peda
– **Use Full-Fat Milk:** For optimal flavor and texture, always opt for full-fat milk when preparing mawa.
– **Stir Often:** As you simmer the milk, be sure to stir frequently to prevent burning.
– **Adjust Sweetness:** Modify the sugar amount to match your preference.
– **Experiment with Flavors:** Feel free to try other flavorings such as rose water or vanilla to create a unique spin on your mawa peda.
## Conclusion
Mawa peda is not just a dessert; it embodies the spirit of celebration and unity during festivals like Holi, Diwali, and Navratri. Whether you choose to create the mawa from scratch or use a store-bought option, this delightful treat is sure to be well-received. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and relish the joy of making and sharing this traditional Indian sweet with your dear ones!