Authentic Milk Cake Recipe: A Delicious Dessert
Introduction:
Milk cake, also known as Kalakand, is a traditional Indian dessert loved for its rich, creamy texture and delicious sweetness. Originating from the Indian subcontinent, this sweet has become popular across the world for its unique taste and simplicity. Making milk cake at home is not only satisfying, but also gives you the flexibility to customize it as per your liking. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of making authentic milk cake right in your own kitchen.
Material:
To make Milk Cake you will need the following ingredients:
1. 2 liters full fat milk
2. ½ cup sugar (adjust as per taste)
3. 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar
4. ½ tsp cardamom powder
5. A pinch of saffron threads (optional)
6. Chopped nuts for decoration (like almonds, pistachios or cashews)
Instruction:
1. Preparation of milk mixture:
-Put full fat milk in a heavy bottomed pan and keep it on medium flame.
Let the milk boil lightly, keep stirring occasionally so that the milk does not stick to the bottom of the pan.
- When the milk starts boiling, reduce the flame and keep stirring continuously.
2. Tearing the Milk:
- Add lemon juice or vinegar to boiling milk slowly while stirring continuously.
- As soon as you add the acidic agent, you will see the milk start curdling and separating into curd (chenna) and whey. Keep stirring until the whey becomes clear.
3. Straining the curd:
- Line a large strainer or colander with a muslin cloth or cheesecloth.
To filter the whey, carefully pour the curdled milk mixture into the strainer.
- Wash the curd with cold water to remove any traces of lemon juice or vinegar.
4. Preparing Milk Cake Mix:
When the excess water drains out, pour the strained curd into a clean, heavy-bottomed pan.
- Add sugar to curd and mix well.
- Keep the pan on low flame and cook the mixture while stirring continuously, until it becomes thick and starts leaving the sides of the pan.
This process may take about 20-25 minutes depending on the moisture content of the curd.
5. Milk Cake Flavour:
Once the mixture becomes a thick, dough-like consistency, add cardamom powder and saffron threads (if using).
- Stir well to incorporate the flavors into the mixture.
6. Setting the Milk Cake:
- Grease a square or rectangular tray with a little ghee or butter.
- Pour the condensed milk mixture into a greased tray and spread it evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Decorate the surface of the milk cake with chopped nuts of your choice, pressing them lightly into the mixture.
7. Cooling and Cutting:
- Let the milk cake cool at room temperature for about 1-2 hours.
- Once cooled, refrigerate the tray for an additional 2-3 hours to allow the milk cake to set firmly.
8. Service:
Once set, remove the milk cake from the refrigerator and cut it into square or diamond shaped pieces with the help of a sharp knife.
- Serve delicious milk cake pieces on a plate or in individual dessert bowls.
- Milk cake can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature depending on your preference.
Tips and Variations:
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice or white vinegar for best results in curdling milk.
- You can adjust the amount of sugar as per your taste. Some people like sweet milk cake, while others like it lightly sweet.
- For added richness, you can replace some of the milk with condensed milk or evaporated milk.
- Experiment with different flavors like rose water, cardamom, or saffron to customize the taste of your milk cake.
- Store leftover milk cake pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
conclusion:
Making milk cake at home is a rewarding experience that allows you to taste the authentic taste of this classic Indian dessert. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up a batch of delicious milk cakes to impress your family and friends. Whether enjoyed as a festive gift or a special indulgence, milk cake with its creamy texture and unique taste will definitely delight your taste buds. So why wait? Try this recipe today and treat yourself to a slice of sweetness!