Dharwad Peda Recipe: How to Make at Home

– Dharwad Peda Recipe –

🕔 7 to 10 minutes  #1997 Words

Dharwad Peda famous for its caramelised flavour, this sweet treat is ready in about 65 minutes  and easy to make at home with simple steps for a delicious delight.

Dharwad Peda, a confectionery gem from the town of Dharwad in Karnataka, India, is a treat that carries with it rich tradition and history. These pedas have a caramel-like, grainy texture and a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth taste. They are made from Cooked Milk and Sugar, and each peda is flavoured with Cardamom, giving it a warm and inviting smell. Dharwad Peda is not just a dessert; it represents hospitality and celebration, making it a special part of festivals and family gatherings in India.

Table of Contents:

1. Historical and Cultural significance.
2. Choosing ingredients.
3. Pro Tips.
4. Recipe Card.
5. Step by Step - How to Make Dharwad Peda
6. Variations Of Dharwad Peda.
7. Nutritional Facts.
8. FAQ’s

1. Historical and Cultural Significance

The Sweet Legacy of Dharwad Peda: History, Culture, and Significance. Dharwad peda, a melt-in-your-mouth delight from Karnataka, India, boasts a rich history and deep cultural significance. Here's a dive into its fascinating story:

Origins: 

• While the exact origin remains debatable, Dharwad peda is believed to have originated in the 19th century.
• One theory suggests the recipe originated from the Thakur family, who migrated from Uttar Pradesh to Dharwad. Their expertise in sweets led them to create this unique peda variation.
• Another theory suggests it was a local innovation, building upon the popularity of pedas from other regions and incorporating the distinct milk from Dharwadi buffaloes raised by the Gavali community.

 A Sweet Journey Through Time (18th - 21st Century):

• Dharwad peda's popularity grew steadily, becoming a staple at weddings, festivals, and other special occasions.
• The traditional methods of Slow Cooking and using fresh, local ingredients ensured the peda's unique flavour and texture.
• Dharwad peda's reputation extended beyond the city, earning a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2014. This tag recognizes its unique link to the Dharwad region and protects its production methods.

 Cultural Symbolism and Beyond (More than just a Dessert): 

• Sharing a box of Dharwad pedas is a gesture of goodwill and respect, reflecting the warm hospitality of the people of Karnataka.
• Dharwad peda is a symbol of auspiciousness and sweetness, making it a perfect offering during festivals like Diwali and weddings.
• Dharwad peda embodies the rich tradition of Indian sweets, showcasing the skill and dedication of generations of sweet-makers.

 Modern-Day Significance (A Sweet Treat for the Future):

• While the core recipe remains faithful to tradition, some variations with nuts, different flavourings, or even sugar substitutes have emerged, catering to evolving preferences.
• Dharwad peda's enduring popularity ensures its legacy will continue to be cherished for generations to come. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage and the power of a delicious tradition.

Dharwad peda is more than just a sweet; it's a window into the rich history and vibrant culture of Karnataka.

2. Choosing Ingredients

Here's a breakdown of choosing ingredients for making the delicious Dharwad peda:

The Essentials:

• Milk Solids (made with 26-quality checked milk) is the heart of the Dharwad peda. Ideally, use full-fat milk for the richest flavour and texture.
• Regular white sugar is the traditional choice. However, if you prefer a less sweet version, you can experiment with alternatives like brown sugar or jaggery (unrefined cane sugar) for a deeper, caramel-like taste.

 Optional Flavor Boosters:

• A touch of freshly ground cardamom powder adds a warm, aromatic touch that complements the other flavours beautifully.
• Caster sugar is traditionally used to coat the pedas after shaping. You can also experiment with other options like powdered sugar or even chopped nuts for a textural contrast.

Freshness is Key:

• Always use fresh ingredients for the best flavour and texture.

 Here are some additional tips:

•  If you're new to making Dharwad peda, start with a slightly lower sugar quantity and adjust to your taste preference later.
•  For a twist, you can explore adding a pinch of salt or a few drops of rosewater for a subtle floral aroma.

Remember: The beauty of Dharwad peda lies in its simplicity. Using Fresh, High-Quality ingredients and following the traditional methods ensures a delicious and authentic experience.

3. Pro Tips

1. Master the Milk: The star of Dharwad peda is the milk. Use high-quality full-cream milk, preferably unhomogenized, for the best results. Freshness is key!
2. Patience is a Virtue: Slow and steady wins the race when it comes to Dharwad peda. Resist the urge to rush the cooking process. Low heat and constant stirring are essential for achieving the perfect texture and rich flavour.
   
   
3. Embrace the Power of Khoya: Homemade khoya, made by slowly reducing milk until it thickens, delivers the most authentic flavour. However, good quality store-bought khoya can work in a pinch.
   
   
4. Temperature Matters: Ensure the khoya cools slightly before adding sugar. This prevents the sugar from caramelising too quickly and burning.
   
   
5. Sugar Symphony: Use powdered sugar for a smoother texture in your Dharwad peda. This helps prevent a grainy texture.
   
   
6. The Ghee Touch: Clarified butter (ghee) adds a touch of richness and prevents sticking. Use just enough to coat the pan without making the peda greasy.
   
   
7. Muscle Memory is Key: The consistency of the cooked peda dough is crucial. It shouldn't be too sticky or dry. Aim for a soft, pliable dough that can be easily rolled into balls. Achieve this through experience and practice.
   
   
8. Embrace the Chill: Once formed, chilling the peda balls for 15-20 minutes helps them hold their shape better.
   
   
9. The Art of Rolling: Use a light dusting of powdered sugar to prevent sticking while rolling the peda balls. This also adds a subtle sweetness to the outer layer.
   
   
10. Presentation is Everything: Traditionally, Dharwad peda is dusted with crystal sugar for a beautiful sparkle. You can also get creative with edible silver leaf or chopped nuts for an extra touch.

Bonus Tip: For a deeper flavour, consider toasting the khoya slightly before adding sugar. This adds a hint of nuttiness to the final product.

4. Recipe Card

Time Required:

• Preparation Time: 30 min
• Cook Time: 35 min
• Total Time: 65 min
• Serving Time: 10 min

5. Step by Step - How to Make Dharwad Peda

Dharwad peda, with its unique caramelised flavour and melt-in-your-mouth texture, is a delightful sweet you can recreate at home. Here's a step-by-step guide using milk solids (khoya):

Prepare the Khoya:

• If using store-bought khoya, ensure it's fresh and crumbly.
• You can also make your own khoya by simmering whole milk on low heat for several hours until it thickens and reduces significantly.

 Roast the Khoya:

• Heat ghee in the pan over low heat.
• Add the grated khoya and crumble it further using the spatula.
• Roast the khoya continuously, stirring frequently, for 15-20 minutes. You want a light golden-brown colour and a nutty aroma. 

Caramelise the Sugar:

• Once the khoya is roasted, add the powdered sugar (or granulated sugar, if using).
• Mix well and continue stirring as the sugar melts and starts to caramelise.

Adjust Consistency:

• As the sugar melts and caramelises, the mixture will start to thicken.
•  Add a tablespoon of milk (optional) if it becomes too dry and difficult to handle.
• The consistency should be slightly moist and hold its shape when pressed.

Flavour and Aroma:

• Once the desired colour and consistency are achieved, turn off the heat.
• Add the cardamom powder and a pinch of salt (if using) and mix well.

Cooling and Shaping:

• Transfer the mixture to a plate or tray and let it cool slightly (warm enough to handle).

You have two shaping options:

• Cylindrical Shape: While the mixture is still warm, use your hands to roll it into small balls. Gently elongate the balls to form cylindrical pedas.
• Moulded Shape: If using moulds, lightly grease them with ghee and press the warm mixture into the moulds.

Coating (Optional):

• Once the pedas are shaped and cooled completely, roll them gently in sugar crystals for a sparkly and crunchy finish.

Storage and Enjoyment:

• Store your Dharwad pedas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• Enjoy them fresh for the best flavour and texture!

Best Dharwad Peda Recipe

 

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5 from 15 reviews

⏱️ Total Time : 65 Minutes

Dharwad Peda is made with Milk, Sugar, and Ghee. With this detailed recipe, you can make this sweet at home.

Ingredients:

• Milk Solids (Khoya)
• High Quality Sugar
• Ground Cardamom Powder
• Sugar Crystals (for coating, optional)

Instructions: 

1. Use 200 grams of unsweetened khoya. Fresh and crumbly khoya works best.
2. If you don't have store-bought khoya, you can simmer whole milk on low heat for several hours until it thickens and reduces significantly.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee in a pan over low heat.
4. Add the grated khoya and roast it for 15-20 minutes, stirring constantly, until it turns light golden brown and releases a nutty aroma.
5. Once roasted, add 100 grams of powdered sugar (or granulated sugar, if using) and mix well.
6. Continue stirring as the sugar melts and starts to caramelise. Be careful not to burn the sugar as it will make the pedas bitter.
7. Once caramelised, turn off the heat and add ½ teaspoon of ground cardamom powder. A pinch of salt is optional for a flavour boost.
8. As the sugar caramelises, the mixture will thicken. If it becomes too dry to handle, add a tablespoon of milk (optional) to achieve a slightly moist consistency that holds its shape when pressed.
9. Let the mixture cool slightly until warm enough to handle.
10. Grease your hands with ghee (optional) and roll the mixture into small balls.
11. For a cylindrical shape, gently elongate the balls.
12. If using moulds, lightly grease them and press the mixture in.

⏱️ Preparation : 30 minutes ⏱️ Cook: 35 minutes  ⏱️Serving: 15 min

6. Variations Of Dharwad Peda.

Peda comes in several delightful varieties, each with its unique taste:

1. Dharwad Peda: Known for its grainy texture and deep caramel flavour, Dharwad Peda is a must-try for anyone looking to explore traditional Dharwad sweets.
   
   
2. Milk Peda: Similar to Doodh Peda but slightly denser, Milk Peda is loved for its milky richness.
   
   
3. Kesar Peda: Infused with saffron, Kesar Peda has a beautiful golden hue and a floral aroma that makes it extra special.
4. Malai Peda: A creamy, rich Indian sweet made from condensed milk, offering a melt-in-the-mouth texture and delicate sweetness.
5. Mathura Peda: A classic treat from Mathura, known for its grainy texture and caramelised flavour, made from roasted khoya.
   
   
6. Rajasthani Peda: A traditional Rajasthani sweet with a smooth, dense texture and rich taste, crafted from milk solids and ghee.

7. Nutritional Facts:

Calories per 100 gms : Approx  504.0 kcal

8. FAQ’s

1. When and where did Dharwad peda originate?

           The exact origin remains unclear, but it's believed to have emerged in Dharwad, Karnataka, India, sometime in the 19th century.

2. What are the key ingredients in Dharwad peda?

           The traditional recipe relies on milk solids (khoya), sugar, ghee (clarified butter), and cardamom powder.

3. How to store Dharwad peda? 

           Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Enjoy them fresh for the best experience!

4. What makes Dharwad peda unique?

           The slow cooking process caramelises the sugar, resulting in a distinct colour, texture, and deeper flavour compared to other pedas.

5. How long does it take to make Dharwad peda?

          The preparation time can vary depending on the method used to make the khoya. If using store-bought khoya, the entire process can take around 30-40 minutes.

6. Is Dharwad peda famous in India?

          Yes, it's a popular sweet throughout India, but especially in Karnataka.

7. How many calories are there in one piece of Dharwad peda?

           Dharwad Peda (approximately 100 grams) contains around 504.0 kcal or calories.