Kesar Elaichi Peda also known as a Kesar Penda in Gujarati. It is a delightful Indian sweet that boasts a perfect blend of flavors and textures. This traditional dessert is crafted by milk, sugar and milk powder or milk solid, cooked until it gets thicken into a rich, creamy consistency. The essence of saffron, known as kesar, lends a warm golden hue and a distinct aromatic note to the sweet. Alongside, the fragrant cardamom, or elaichi, adds a burst of refreshing flavor that compliments the sweetness beautifully. The mixture is then shaped into small, flattened rounds or discs, often adorned with nuts like pistachios for an appealing crunch. This Kesar Elaichi Peda made with milk powder captures the essence of Indian culinary traditions, offering a harmonious balance of sweet and aromatic elements that are sure to tantalize the taste buds of those who indulge. Perfect sweet for festival to give as a gift, prasad or as a dessert.
This timeless Indian delicacy is born from the gentle fusion of milk and sugar transformed through patient simmering into a velvety base. The saffron, or kesar, infuses a warm hue and a distinct aroma, invoking images of ancient spice markets. As you savor each bite, the fragrant cardamom, or elaichi, unveils its diverse flavor, a sweet yet refreshing dance on the palate. Kesar Elaichi Peda isn’t just a dessert; it’s an essence of love affair with flavors, a symposium of taste that bridges the past with the present, one delightful bite at a time.
Ingredients
• 1-2 tbsp Ghee
• 1 cup Whole Milk
• 1 ½ cup Milk Powder
• ½ tsp Saffron Threads/Kesar
• ½ tsp Cardamom Powder/Elaichi
• ¾ cup Sugar
• 1 tsp Slivered Nuts (Almond, Pistachios, etc.)
Method
1. In a pan, heat the ghee until melted, and then add the milk powder, whole milk, and saffron threads. Thoroughly mix the ingredients, ensuring no lumps remain, and allow it to cook on a low to medium flame until it begins to thicken slightly.
2. Next, introduce the powdered sugar and cardamom powder, stirring diligently to achieve a well-blended mixture. Continue cooking over a medium flame until the mixture starts detaching from the bottom of the pan, resulting in a smooth, velvety dough-like consistency.
3. Transfer the mixture onto a plate, allowing it to cool down slightly for easier handling. With the dough at a manageable temperature, take portions the size of a lime and shape them into round, slightly flattened forms. You can employ a peda or small mooncake mold for a more defined shape, giving this delectable dessert an aesthetic touch.
4. The pedas are now ready, and you can enhance their appeal by pressing slivered nuts onto their surface. Serve the pedas fresh and relish their delightful flavors.
5. For storage, place the pedas in an airtight container and refrigerate. They can be enjoyed for up to 8-10 days, providing a delectable treat whenever your heart desires.
Tips
• Always cook on a low to medium flame, ensuring that you stir continuously to prevent the mixture from sticking to the pan and avoid any risk of burning.
• If you prefer a sweeter taste, feel free to incorporate more powdered sugar according to your preference.
• For an elegant touch, consider using chandi warq or silver leaf to beautifully decorate the pedas.
- 1-2 tbsp Ghee
- 1 cup Whole Milk
- 1 ½ cup Milk Powder
- ½ tsp Saffron Threads/Kesar
- ½ tsp Cardamom Powder/Elaichi
- ¾ cup Sugar
- 1 tsp Slivered Nuts (Almond, Pistachios, etc.)
- In a pan, heat the ghee until melted, and then add the milk powder, whole milk, and saffron threads. Thoroughly mix the ingredients, ensuring no lumps remain, and allow it to cook on a low to medium flame until it begins to thicken slightly.
- Next, introduce the powdered sugar and cardamom powder, stirring diligently to achieve a well-blended mixture. Continue cooking over a medium flame until the mixture starts detaching from the bottom of the pan, resulting in a smooth, velvety dough-like consistency.
- Transfer the mixture onto a plate, allowing it to cool down slightly for easier handling. With the dough at a manageable temperature, take portions the size of a lime and shape them into round, slightly flattened forms. You can employ a peda or small mooncake mold for a more defined shape, giving this delectable dessert an aesthetic touch.
- The pedas are now ready, and you can enhance their appeal by pressing slivered nuts onto their surface. Serve the pedas fresh and relish their delightful flavors.
- For storage, place the pedas in an airtight container and refrigerate. They can be enjoyed for up to 8-10 days, providing a delectable treat whenever your heart desires.
If you prefer a sweeter taste, feel free to incorporate more powdered sugar according to your preference.
For an elegant touch, consider using chandi warq or silver leaf to beautifully decorate the pedas.
