Peda recipe with Milk Powder

Jump to Recipe

Peda recipe with Milk Powder - This rich and delicious Indian sweet is made with just 4 ingredients and in less than 20 minutes. Try it this holi!

Rich, creamy, and melt-in-mouth, this peda recipe (milk fudge) is made with ricotta cheese, and milk powder, and is flavored with aromatic cardamom powder. A quick and delectable Indian sweet perfect for celebrations.

You can make a simplified version of peda using milk powder and ricotta cheese. This recipe is a quicker alternative to the traditional method that involves reducing milk to make khoya.

Make this easy peda recipe with stepwise directions in less than 20 minutes. They are so addictive! Best homemade peda!

Ricotta cheese is a quick and easy alternative to traditional milk-based recipes. It is easily available and cuts back on cooking time by almost a fourth. Thus, saving time and all the effort that goes into making peda.

Ricotta cheese and milk powder peda is an instant and quick version of traditional peda. Milk powder and ricotta cheese are used instead of khoya. These fudgy treats are melt-in-mouth soft!

I find peda made with ricotta cheese yields quite a similar taste and texture just like the traditional ones. These delicious easy Pedas are a classic Indian sweet that you can make in no time.

Jump to:

What is Peda?
Ingredients For Peda Recipe
Directions For Peda Recipe
Variations to Peda Recipe
Storage
Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Easy Indian Sweets
Peda Recipe with milk powder
Tips
Indian Desserts

What is Peda?

"Peda" is a popular Indian sweet that's enjoyed across the country. It's a milk-based sweet that's rich, creamy, and often flavored with various ingredients.

Peda has a distinctive fudge-like texture and comes in different shapes and sizes, ranging from round discs to more intricate forms. It's commonly served during festivals like Holi, Diwali, and special occasions.

Making pedas involves simmering milk and reducing it to a thick consistency before adding other ingredients. The mixture is then shaped into small rounds or other decorative forms and often garnished with chopped nuts or edible silver leaf (varak).

These sweets hold cultural and regional significance, and the recipes can vary from one region to another. Peda is not only delicious but also a symbol of celebration and joy in Indian culture. Whether it's Diwali, Holi, Eid, Raksha Bandhan, or simply a moment of shared happiness, pedas find their place at the heart of the festivities.

Ingredients For Peda Recipe

Here's a description of the main ingredients used in the recipe for Milk Powder Ricotta Cheese Peda:

Milk Powder: It's commonly used in many desserts to provide a milk flavor and creamy texture without the need to use fresh milk. In this recipe, milk powder serves as one of the main components to create the base of the peda.

Ricotta Cheese: It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a rich, smooth texture. In this recipe, ricotta cheese is used to add creaminess and richness to the peda.

Sugar: It's used to sweeten the mixture. You can use your preferred sweetener instead of sugar.

Cardamom Powder: Cardamom powder is added to the peda mixture to impart a delightful and exotic aroma.

Saffron Strands (Optional): Saffron strands can be added to the mixture to enhance the color and add a subtle saffron flavor.

Chopped Nuts (Optional): Chopped nuts, such as almonds and pistachios, are used as a garnish. They provide a contrasting texture and a nutty flavor that complements the sweet and creamy base of the peda.

Ghee (Clarified Butter): In this recipe, a small amount of ghee is added to the mixture and to grease the hands while shaping the pedas.

Directions For Peda Recipe

In a non-stick or heavy bottom pan, combine milk, milk powder, and ricotta cheese.

Place the pan on medium heat, and cook the mixture stirring frequently, until it starts to leave the sides of the pan, and forms a smooth dough ball. Note: Initially, the mixture will be in liquid form, gradually it will come to a solid state. This process will take around 15-20 minutes.

Stir in sugar, and cardamom powder and mix well. Cook the mixture until the sugar dissolves and the mixture once again forms a smooth dough. Note: Check the consistency of the dough. Take a small portion of the mixture and roll it between your fingers, you should be able to form a smooth ball without cracking the dough. If the dough cracks mean it's dry and overcooked. Add some milk and cook the dough until smooth.

Add ghee and mix well until the ghee is absorbed about 1-2 minutes.

Remove the pan from the heat and transfer the mixture to a silicon mat or a clean plate.

When the mixture is still warm but can be handled comfortably, knead the dough for a few minutes. Note: Kneading the dough helps improve the texture of the peda.

Once the dough becomes shiny and the mixture does not stick to your hands. Divide the dough into equal portions and shape it into a round shape.

(Optional) You can use some design stamps for a pattern on the peda.

Sprinkle some cardamom powder, saffron strands (optional), and nuts.

Peda is ready to be devoured!

Variations to Peda Recipe

There are many variations you can try when making pedas. Here are some delightful ideas to try:

Fruit Flavored Peda: Add fruit purees or extracts to the mixture for unique flavors. Mango, strawberry, pineapple, or even passion fruit can infuse a burst of fruity goodness.

Nutella Peda: Incorporate Nutella or any chocolate-hazelnut spread to create a rich and chocolatey twist on traditional pedas.

Pista (Pistachio) Cream Peda: Mix ground pistachios into the mixture for a beautiful green color and a pronounced pistachio flavor.

Rose Peda with Rooh Afza: Use rose water and a touch of Rooh Afza (a rose-flavored syrup) to create a fragrant and floral variation.

Chocolate Chip Peda: Add chocolate chips to the mixture for bursts of chocolate goodness throughout each bite.

Orange Zest Peda: Incorporate orange zest or extract for a zesty and citrusy flavor profile.

Storage

Store the peda in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to a month. You can freeze the peda for up to 3 months.

To freeze the peda, store it in a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag. Thaw it in the refrigerator or on the kitchen counter and enjoy.

Tips

Here are some tips to help you make delicious pedas and achieve the best results:

Preparation: Gather all your ingredients and utensils before you start cooking. This helps streamline the cooking process and prevents any interruptions.

Consistency Matters: When cooking the peda mixture, consistency is crucial. You want the mixture to thicken and come together, similar to a fudge-like consistency. This will ensure that the pedas hold their shape and have the right texture.

Stir Constantly: While cooking the mixture, stir constantly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning. This is especially important as the mixture thickens.

Flavor Infusion: Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavorings and variations. Cardamom, saffron, rose water, and other flavorings can add depth and uniqueness to your pedas.

Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality ingredients, especially when it comes to milk powder and ricotta cheese substitutes. Better ingredients often result in better flavor and texture.

Adjust Sweetness: Taste the mixture before shaping the pedas to ensure the sweetness is to your liking. You can adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste preferences.

Grease Hands: Grease your hands with a bit of ghee or oil while shaping the pedas. This prevents the mixture from sticking to your hands and makes shaping easier.

Decoration: If you're garnishing with chopped nuts or other toppings, press them onto the pedas gently while they are still slightly soft. This helps the nuts adhere well.

Cooling Before Storage: Allow the pedas to cool completely before storing them. This prevents condensation from forming inside the container and affecting the pedas' texture.

Serve at Room Temperature: For the best flavor and texture, serve pedas at room temperature. If they're stored in the refrigerator or freezer, allow them to come to room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is peda made of?

Peda is typically made from a combination of milk solids, often referred to as khoya or mawa, and sugar. This mixture is cooked down to a thick, fudge-like consistency and can be flavored with ingredients like cardamom, saffron, nuts, and other flavorings.

What is the difference between Barfi and peda?

Barfi and peda are both traditional Indian sweets, but barfi is typically made with condensed milk and sugar, while peda is made with khoya (reduced milk). While barfi has a firmer texture and is often flavored with cardamom or nuts, peda is softer and richer in taste.

How to fix chewy peda with milk powder?

To fix chewy peda made with milk powder, add a little milk or cream while reheating the mixture to soften its texture. Stir continuously on low heat until the peda becomes smooth and creamy again.