NG TV NEWS | BAKERY SPECIAL
JANMASHTAMI SPECIAL: MAWA PEDA — A TRADITIONAL SWEET FOR KRISHNA’S BIRTHDAY
BY CHEF ROMI
KOLKATA | SEPTEMBER 1, 2026
Janmashtami celebrations are closely associated with traditional bhog, homemade sweets and festive delicacies. Among them, Mawa Peda remains a popular choice because of its rich milk flavour, soft texture and uncomplicated preparation. Made with khoya or mawa, sugar and aromatic spices, this classic sweet can be prepared at home with a few carefully measured ingredients.
MAWA PEDA RECIPE
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20–25 minutes
Makes: Approximately 12–15 pedas
INGREDIENTS
- 250 g mawa/khoya
- 80 g powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon cardamom powder
- 1 tablespoon milk, if required
- 1 teaspoon ghee
- 8–10 pistachios, finely chopped
- A few strands of saffron, optional
METHOD
Step 1 — Prepare the Mawa:
Crumble the mawa into small pieces. Place a heavy-bottomed pan over low heat and add 1 teaspoon ghee. Add the mawa and cook gently.
Step 2 — Cook Carefully:
Stir continuously over low heat for approximately 8–10 minutes. The mawa should become softer and slightly change in colour. Avoid high heat, as it can cause the milk solids to stick or burn.
Step 3 — Cool the Mixture:
Transfer the cooked mawa to a plate and allow it to cool until it is warm rather than hot. This step is important before adding sugar.
Step 4 — Add Sugar and Flavour:
Add 80 g powdered sugar and ½ teaspoon cardamom powder. Mix thoroughly. If the mixture feels unusually dry, add milk a teaspoon at a time.
Step 5 — Shape the Pedas:
Once the mixture becomes soft and pliable, divide it into 12–15 equal portions. Roll each portion between your palms and gently flatten it to create the traditional peda shape.
Step 6 — Garnish:
Press a small amount of chopped pistachio or a saffron strand into the centre of each peda.
BAKERY NOTE
For a festive presentation, arrange the pedas in small food-safe boxes with parchment or paper liners. Since peda is a milk-based sweet, it should be handled hygienically and stored appropriately.
Mawa Peda’s appeal lies in its simplicity—a few ingredients transformed into a festive sweet that perfectly complements the spirit of Janmashtami. With its creamy texture, delicate cardamom aroma and festive garnish, it makes a fitting addition to the Janmashtami bhog table.
Recipe & Feature: By Chef Romi
NG TV NEWS | BAKERY SPECIAL
Tradition on the plate, celebration in every bite.
