3 Easy Indian Dessert Recipes: Instant Kalakand, Carrot Kheer, and Gulkand Peda
Quick Homemade Indian Sweets That’ll Impress Everyone!
Key Information
Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
Total Time: 30-45 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free Options
Essential Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring cups
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Blender (optional)
Ingredients Overview
Instant Kalakand
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 14 oz condensed milk
- 1 tsp cardamom powder
- Sliced pistachios (optional garnish)
Carrot Kheer
- 3 cups shredded carrots
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1/3 cup sugar
- Cardamom powder
- Almond slices for garnish
Gulkand Peda
- 2 cups milk powder
- 14 oz condensed milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp gulkand (rose petal jam)
Pro Cooking Tips
Critical Techniques:
- Always stir milk-based desserts to prevent burning
- Use medium heat for consistent cooking
- Let mixtures cool before shaping
Detailed Recipes
1. Instant Kalakand Recipe
Step-by-Step Method
- Combine ricotta and condensed milk in a pan
- Cook on medium heat, stirring constantly
- Cook for 20 minutes until mixture thickens
- Add cardamom powder
- Cool and garnish with pistachios
Doneness Cues
- Mixture becomes slightly crumbly
- Turns golden brown
- Pulls away from pan edges
2. Carrot Kheer Recipe
Preparation
- Blend 1 cup carrots with milk
- Boil remaining milk
- Combine carrot puree and shredded carrots
- Simmer for 30 minutes
- Add sugar and cardamom
- Reduce until creamy
- Garnish with almond slices
Expert Notes
- Use fresh carrots for best flavor
- Stir every 5 minutes to prevent scorching
3. Gulkand Peda Recipe
Microwave Method
- Mix condensed milk, butter, milk powder
- Microwave 1 minute, stir
- Repeat microwaving 3 times
- Add gulkand when cool
- Shape into small rounds
- Garnish optional
Storage & Variations
Refrigeration:
- Store in airtight container
- Keeps 3-5 days
- Freeze for extended storage
Fun Variations:
- Add cocoa powder for chocolate peda
- Use dates instead of gulkand
- Experiment with different garnishes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t:
- Overcook milk mixtures
- Use high heat
- Skip stirring
- Shape pedas when hot
Nutritional Insight
- High in calcium
- Good source of energy
- Contains natural sugars
- Moderate protein from milk and nuts
Serving Suggestions
Best Served:
- After meals
- With chai
- During festivals
- As sweet snacks
Final Pro Tips
- Use fresh ingredients
- Invest in good quality milk
- Practice shaping techniques
- Enjoy the process!
Related Indian Dessert Keywords
Indian sweets, halwa, kalakand, peda, rasgulla, instant dessert, Diwali treats, milk-based desserts
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