250gramsmawa/khoyagrated, around 2 cups grated mawa
1.5tablespoonsmelted ghee22 ml
2-3tablespoonsmilk30-45 ml, as needed
1/4teaspooncardamom powder
1/2cuppowdered sugar55 grams, or adjust to taste
turbinado/raw sugarto roll the peda, optional
Instructions
I used store bought mawa from Savera brand. You can use any brand of choice. You can find mawa at Indian grocery stores in the freezer section, usually right next to paneer.
Grate 250 grams of mawa. Take a heavy bottom pan (non-stick preferred) and add grated mawa to it. Set to heat to low-medium.
Start roasting the mawa, stirring continuously. After 5 minutes, it will start to change color, at this point add 1 tablespoon of ghee and keep stirring.
It will start turning light golden color. But for Mathura peda, we want dark brown color. So, keep roasting and add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon ghee.
After 10 minutes, it will start to get darker and look like it does in picture no. 4.
Keep roasting the mawa at low heat. After around 15 minutes, we are almost there.
As my mawa looked dry, I added 2 tablespoons of milk at this point. After adding milk, roast for a minute or two until the milk is absorbed. Remember heat should always be low.
Remove pan from heat and transfer the roasted mawa to a blender. I roasted the mawa altogether for 15-20 minutes on low heat.
Now grind the roasted mawa in a blender to make it smooth. I added 1 more tablespoon milk while grinding it. If your mixture doesn't look dry don't add milk here. Grind the mixture for few seconds until it becomes smooth.
Transfer mixture to a large bowl and add cardamom powder to it and mix.
Let the mixture cool a little (for few minutes).
When you can touch it (it should still be little warm), add the powdered sugar and mix using your hands. I have used only 1/2 cup powdered sugar here, so it's lightly sweetened. Add more as needed.
Now take a piece of dough and roll between your palm to make a round ball. Then flatten slightly to shape it like a peda.
Roll the peda in turbinado sugar (if needed). Make all the pedas in the same way. I was able to get 10 pedas out of this mixture.
Mathura Peda are now ready to be devoured! You may garnish these with nuts.