Mawa Pedas

           Sweets are an integral part of all the festivals and occasions. We are getting close to the Hindu festival of Diwali, when most Hindu households prepare a bunch of sweets and snacks. Last recipe, Chakri, was my favorite Diwali snack, and here is my favorite sweet, Pedas - small, sweet, delicious patties made with Khoa.

Khoa/Mawa is made by heating milk in an open pan until it thickens. In this recipe, I have used ready made Khoa. But it can be easily made at home too.

Ingredients:

• 12 Oz Mawa/Khoa (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khoa)
• 3 Tbsp Sugar
• 1 Tbsp Cardamom Powder
• Sliced Pistachios for Garnishing

Instructions:

• Grate the Khoa with a fine steel grater. Preferably don't use an iron grater.

• Put the grated Khoa in a nonstick pan.
• Stir continuously on a medium flame.
• When the mixture thickens and forms like a dough, take it off the heat.
• Add sugar and cardamom powder and mix well

• Now, take a small part of the mixture, form a ball and press it lightly into patty rounds
• Press a pistachio on the peda for garnishing
• Repeat it for the remaining mixture

• Allow them to cool, then store it in an airtight container

Unlike most sweets, Pedas are utterly simple to make, and not too unhealthy. You should really try making some of them at home. I am sure you will like them.