Kaju or cashewnut Peda in MW

Peda or Pera is a round 1/2 inch thick semi-soft milk fudge like sweet from Indian subcontinent. It originates in the state of Uttar Pradesh, North India. From there, it has spread to all over India because of its taste. But, the most famous and delicious peda is found only in Mathura city of Uttar Pradesh.
The main ingredients are Khoya(thick milk solid), sugar and flavorings like cardamom, saffron and pistachio nuts. Its color varies from creamy white to caramel color. Different food color is also used to give it a colorful look. Pedas are also used as a prasad(offering to God) in Hindu temples or other religious occassions. And it's a very common sweet made at home for special occassions and festivals.


Now the making of peda is kind of time consuming and laborious. You have to solidify the milk to make khoya and after mixing sugar and flavour into khoya, Pedas are made. The whole process takes at least an hour. But the end result is off course rewarding and satisfactory. But, nowadays with the help of technology, we can get things done very easily and quickly. This pedas you can make quite easily and quite fast(in 3 minutes/ total time 5-7 minutes) in Microwave Oven. So, without any delay, here is the recipe how to make Pedas in Microwave........


Ingredients : (yields 25-30 pedas)
Low fat Milk powder : 2 cups
Condensed Milk : 1 (14 oz./~350 gm. tin)
Unsalted Butter : 2-3 tbsp.
Cashew Nuts(grounded into powder) : 1/2 cup
Green Cardamom Powder : 1 tsp.(take the black seeds and ground them into powder)
Saffron stands : few(for decoration)

Method :
Take solid butter in a wide microwave safe bowl and cook until totally melt.Take out the bowl and mix rest of the ingredients except saffron and mix well.Put the bowl in microwave, set the power to medium.(Note: my microwave has 800W power. The cooking time depends on the power of your microwave. Take care not to overcook it.). Cook for 1 minute. Take out and stir the whole mixture very well. It's very important.Then put the bowl again and cook for another 1 minute.Again stir well and cook for another 1 minute. After 3 minute, you will see the mixture solidifies and to test it is done, take a little amount and try to make a ball between your palm. If you can make a ball and it doesnot stick to your hand, then it's done. At the end, it should look like this.Take out the bowl and transfer to a wide dish or plate. Let it cool for few minutes, about 3-4 minutes. Do not let it cool for long time, then you won't be able to give them a shape. Grease a plate and set aside. Grease your hands too, take a small amount, and between your palms, roll it round and then gently press and make it flat and round. Quickly make other pedas. Decorate with cashewnuts, pistachios, raisins or saffron strands. I decorated with few saffron stands and cashewnuts. Soak saffron stands in a drop of milk and take one stand and put it in the middle of each peda.After you are done with whole mixture, cover the plate wth plastic wrap and put in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to set.Pedas should be served in room temperature.  Tips : For better presentation, put them into baking cups and serve. You can store pedas for a month in refrigerator.

Sending them to Priti's place for her Festive Food : Raksha Bandhan event 
& to Jagruti's place for her Celebrate Sweet : Peda event
& to Pari for her Only Kids' Delight event 
& to Srivalli's Microwave Easy Cooking : Potluck Party