Description
Delicious Ricotta Cheese Peda is a quick and delightful Indian sweet treat made with creamy ricotta cheese, milk powder, and fragrant cardamom, enriched with ghee and saffron for authentic flavor. This recipe offers a smooth, rich texture with options to elevate richness using cream or add variations like cocoa powder or mango pulp. Perfect as a festive snack or dessert, these pedas are easy to prepare on the stovetop and yield creamy, melt-in-the-mouth sweets with a beautiful aroma and balanced sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese
- 1 cup Milk Powder
- 3/4 cup Sugar
- 2 tablespoons Ghee
- 1/4 cup Whole Milk
- 1 teaspoon Cardamom Powder
- 2 tablespoons Cream (optional)
- A few strands Saffron (soaked in warm milk)
Variations and Toppings
- 2 tablespoons Cocoa Powder (for chocolate variation)
- 1/2 cup Mango Pulp or Nuts (for fruity twists or toppings)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Begin by placing a non-stick or heavy-bottomed pan on medium heat. Pour in the ghee and allow it to melt fully to release its rich aroma.
- Cook Ricotta Cheese: Add the ricotta cheese to the pan, breaking it apart with a spatula to avoid lumps. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until most of the moisture evaporates and the cheese starts to thicken.
- Add Milk Powder and Cream: Reduce the flame to low. Quickly add the milk powder and optional cream, stirring continuously. Cook this mixture for another 2-3 minutes to blend and thicken further.
- Adjust Consistency with Milk: If the mixture appears too dry or crumbly, gently add the whole milk a little at a time, stirring to achieve a smooth, pliable consistency suitable for shaping.
- Sweeten and Flavor: Stir in the sugar along with the saffron soaked in warm milk (if using). Continue cooking until the mixture begins to pull away from the sides of the pan, indicating it’s cooked through.
- Add Cardamom: Sprinkle the cardamom powder over the mixture and stir well to evenly distribute the fragrant spice. Remove the pan from heat.
- Knead Dough: Allow the mixture to cool until it is comfortable to handle. Transfer onto a greased surface and knead briefly to form a smooth dough.
- Shape Pedas: Divide the dough into equal portions and roll each into small, smooth balls. For decorative flair, press each ball with a peda mold or press to create traditional designs.
- Optional Variations: For chocolate pedas, stir in cocoa powder with the sugar. For fruity versions, incorporate mango pulp or garnish with chopped nuts as desired.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality ricotta cheese for best texture and flavor.
- Adjust sugar quantity to taste for a less or more sweet peda.
- Saffron enhances both color and aroma but is optional; substitute with rose water if preferred.
- Milk quantity can be varied to get your desired dough consistency but avoid making it too wet.
- Store pedas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Serving the pedas chilled enhances their texture and flavor.
