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Khawa Peda/Ricotta Cheese and Milk Powder Balls

These ricotta-milk powder balls are sweetened with sugar and decadently flavored with saffron and cardamom.
Course Dessert
Servings 40 pedas

Ingredients
  

  • tsp saffron
  • 1 tbsp warm milk
  • 8 tbsp unsalted butter (113 g)
  • 16 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup dry milk powder Carnation or Nestle brand
  • 1 cup sugar (200 g)
  • 1 tsp cardamom powder
  • 1 tbsp crushed nuts pistachios or almonds to garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Soak saffron in the warm milk for at least 30 minutes.
  • In a heavy bottom pan, preferably non-stick, melt the butter and then add the ricotta cheese. Fry on medium heat for about 7-8 minutes or until the ricotta cheese's moisture has evaporated.
  • Add the milk powder and stir for 2-3 minutes. Then add the sugar and the saffron and continue to stir until the mixture starts separating from the sides of the pan, about 8-10 minutes. Do not stir too long otherwise the pedas will turn dry and crack. The pedas should be nice and moist while still holding its structure. Turn the heat off, add the cardamom powder, give it a good stir, and let it cool slightly.
  • Take a small lime size ball of the peda mixture and roll it between your palms and press to flatten it slightly. Make a dent at the center with your thumb or use a mold to add a design. Garnish with the nuts.