Mathura Peda Milk Sweet UP Temple Offering

Method

1. 1

   Crumble the khoya: Break 500 g soft fresh khoya into crumbles in a wide, heavy non-stick pan.

2. 2

   Cook the khoya on low heat: Heat on very low heat, stirring continuously, for 10 to 12 minutes. The khoya will first soften and become liquid-like, then begin to dry and firm as moisture evaporates. The colour will go from white to pale cream. Do not allow it to brown.

3. 3

   The right consistency: The cooked khoya is ready when it leaves the sides of the pan cleanly when stirred and a small amount pressed between fingers holds its shape without being sticky.

4. 4

   Remove from heat: Take the pan off the heat completely. Let cool for 5 minutes — the khoya continues cooking from residual heat if left on the burner.

5. 5

   Add powdered sugar: Add powdered sugar to the warm khoya. Mix vigorously for 2 minutes until fully incorporated. The warmth helps the sugar blend in smoothly.

6. 6

   Add cardamom and saffron: Add cardamom powder and saffron milk. Mix until the saffron colour distributes through the peda in golden streaks.

7. 7

   Shape the peda: Grease your palms with a tiny amount of ghee. Take a tablespoon of the mixture. Roll between palms into a smooth ball then flatten slightly into a disc about 4 cm wide and 1.5 cm thick. The surface should be completely smooth.

8. 8

   Decorate: Press a cashew half or a saffron strand onto the top surface of each peda. Alternatively press a fork or stamp pattern into the surface.

9. 9

   Cool and firm up: Place shaped peda on a greased plate. Leave at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes until firm.

10. 10

    Serve or offer as prasad: Mathura peda is offered at the Krishna temples and distributed as prasad to devotees.

11. 11

    Note: Mathura Peda is the most well-known sweet of Mathura — the birthplace of Lord Krishna and one of the most visited temple towns in India. The peda has been made in Mathura for over 500 years and is now protected with a GI tag. The Bankey Bihari temple, ISKCON Vrindavan and the Krishna Janmabhoomi temple all distribute peda as prasad. The best peda makers of Mathura are concentrated around the Holi Gate area.