How to Make Doodh Peda: During the festival of Bhai Dooj, a variety of dishes and sweets are prepared at home. For this special occasion, instead of buying sweets from the market, you could try making something delicious and unique at home. If you are looking for an alternative to traditional sugar-based pedas, then 'Doodh Peda' (milk-based sweets) prepared with jaggery and dry fruits is an excellent choice. The earthy, rich flavor of jaggery combined with the crunch of dry fruits makes this sweet truly special—and it doesn't take long to prepare, either. Let’s look at an easy recipe and some essential tips for making Jaggery-based Doodh Peda.

Ingredients Required for Doodh Peda

Khoya (Mawa) – 500 grams (fresh and pure)
Jaggery (grated) – 1 cup (adjust the quantity according to your preference for sweetness)
Cardamom powder – 1 teaspoon
Finely chopped dry fruits (cashews, pistachios, almonds) – 3–4 tablespoons
Desi Ghee – 1–2 tablespoons (for roasting the mawa)

Method for Making Doodh Peda

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add the grated mawa and roast it over medium heat for 4–5 minutes. Cook the mawa until its raw smell disappears and it takes on a light golden hue. Once roasted, transfer the mawa to a plate and let it cool slightly. When the mawa is still lukewarm, add the grated jaggery, cardamom powder, and half of the chopped dry fruits, then mix well. Ensure the mawa is not too hot, as the jaggery might melt and turn into a syrup-like consistency. Finally, knead the mixture thoroughly with your hands until it reaches the right consistency for shaping into pedas. Shape the mixture into small *pedas*

Take the prepared mixture and form small, lemon-sized portions. Roll each portion between your palms into a ball, then press down gently to shape it into a *peda*. Use your thumb to create a small indentation in the center for a decorative touch. Garnish the *pedas* with the remaining chopped pistachios and almonds. Set them aside for about 30 minutes to firm up.

Healthy Milk *Pedas*

These delicious, soft, jaggery-based milk *pedas* are now ready to serve. You can offer them to family members and guests during the special occasion of Bhai Dooj. Made with jaggery and dry fruits, this sweet treat will not only enhance the festive spirit but also add a unique flavor to your homemade sweets.

Tips for making perfect *pedas*

Always add the jaggery to the *mawa* (milk solids) only after turning off the heat, or when the *mawa* has cooled down to a lukewarm temperature.

If you add jaggery while the *mawa* is still very hot, the mixture may become too thin, causing the *pedas* to lose their shape.

Adding a little *desi ghee* (clarified butter) while roasting the *mawa* gives the *pedas* a beautiful sheen and helps them stay soft for a longer time.

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