Kesar Peda (Milk Balls)

Kesar Peda

Milk powder is a key ingredient in many Indian desserts.

Kesar peda is a classic Indian sweet treat that used to be specially made for the holidays. Today it is readily available in Indian bakeries, owing to its popularity. Similar to barfi, kesar peda is a rich, milk-based confection flavored with traditional spices such as cardamom and saffron and topped with pistachios.

Recipe Servings: 4

Prep Time

30 minutes

Cook Time

30 minutes

Total Time

1 hour

Vegetarian

Vegan

Gluten Free

Dairy Free

Kosher

Halal

Ingredients

3 threads saffron
1 Tbsp (15 ml) warm milk
2 cups (240 g) milk powder
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
¼ tsp (1.5 ml) cardamom
½ cup (100 g) sugar
1 Tbsp (15 ml) chopped pistachios

Directions

Soak saffron in warm milk.
Combine milk powder and heavy cream in a saucepan and place over medium heat. Stir well to combine. Then reduce heat to low and cook until mixture becomes a smooth paste, about 20 minutes.
Add saffron/milk mixture and cardamom, stir to combine, and cook for 3 minutes until it forms a soft dough.
Cool to lukewarm, and then add sugar. If dough dries out, add more warm cream.
Shape dough into golf ball-sized rounds. Make a dent in the middle and sprinkle on pistachios.
Serve warm or chilled.