Peda: An Indian Sweet Treat

Peda is a kind of milk fudge that is rich and easy to make topped with delicious nuts. In this healthy recipes, peda is made by mixing khoya, which is reduced milk or milk cheese used in Indian cooking, with sugar and milk and flavored with butter and cardamom powder. The resulting peda is rolled into small smooth round balls and garnished with pistachio nuts. You can also garnish peda with almonds or pecans, or different kinds of nuts for variety and a stylish presentation. Cardamom seeds can also be used as a garnish. Peda makes a nice Christmas treat as an alternative to the usual sugar cookies. It is also used as Prasad, a religious offering in Hinduism, consumed by the worshipper.

Ingredients:
500gms khoya
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup sugar, powdered
3 tablespoon unsalted butter (ghee)
1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
2 tablespoon sliced pistachios for garnish

Presentation:

1. In a large bowl either grate or mash khoya finely and mix with powdered sugar. Knead and set aside.
2. Transfer this mixture to a heavy pan and keep stirring continuously first on high flame and then on medium flame. Make sure it does not stick to the base of the pan. When the mixture is thick add cardamom powder and set aside. Allow it to cool.
3. Using your palms, make small round shapes and press gently on the top. On top of each peda gently press pistachios, or you can also sprinkle the nuts on top. Place it on serving tray and serve once cool.