Palakova Recipe (Easy Milk Khoya)

1. Heat a thick-bottomed pan or a non-stick pan and add 1 liter of full-fat milk.
2. Bring the milk to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
3. Once the milk has thickened and reduced to about half its original volume, add 1 cup of sugar and stir well until it dissolves.
4. Continue to simmer the mixture on low heat until it thickens and starts to come together as a softball. This can take up to an hour, so be patient and keep stirring occasionally.
5. Once the mixture has thickened and reached a fudge-like consistency, add 1/4 tsp of cardamom powder (optional) and mix well.
6. Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes. Then, add 1 tbsp of ghee and mix well.
7. Transfer it to a greased plate or tray and spread it evenly. Garnish with chopped nuts (optional).
8. Let it cool completely and then cut it into pieces or shape it into balls.
9. Your delicious homemade palakova is ready to serve!

Serving suggestions

• Serve as a standalone dessert after a meal. You can cut it into small squares or diamond-shaped pieces and serve them on a plate. Pair with a cup of hot chai or coffee for a perfect mid-day snack.
• Garnish the palakova with chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios for a nutty crunch and added texture. You can also add some saffron strands on top to give it a beautiful golden color and a subtle floral aroma.
• Use palakova as a topping for ice cream or serve it with fresh fruits like banana, mango, or pineapple for a delightful twist. It can also be used as a filling in various Indian sweets like gulab jamun or rasgulla.
• Tips and Variations

1. Use full-fat milk for a creamy and rich flavor. Skimmed or low-fat milk may not thicken or reduce as much, resulting in a runny or thin consistency.
2. Keep stirring the milk frequently while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning.
3. Be patient while simmering the milk and sugar mixture. It takes time to thicken and come together as a soft ball. Avoid turning up the heat to speed up the process, as this may result in burning or scorching.
4. Add the sugar only when the milk has reduced to half its original volume. Adding sugar too early may cause the milk to curdle or not thicken properly.
5. If you want to add nuts or other flavorings, add them at the end after the mixture has thickened and is ready to be taken off the heat.
6. Once the mixture has cooled, cut it with a sharp knife or cookie cutter into desired shapes or sizes. You can also use a parchment paper or plastic wrap-lined tray.