Milk Cake recipe (also known as Kalakand in Indian cuisine)

Ingredients

  • 4 cups full-fat milk (preferably fresh cow’s milk)
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice or white vinegar
  • ¼ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon cardamom powder
  • 1 tablespoon ghee (for greasing)
  • Optional: chopped pistachios or almonds for garnish

Instructions

  1. Boil Milk:
    Pour the milk into a heavy-bottomed pan and bring it to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
  2. Curdle the Milk:
    Once the milk comes to a boil, reduce the heat and add lemon juice or vinegar a little at a time while stirring. The milk will curdle and the whey will separate. If it doesn’t curdle, add a bit more lemon juice.
  3. Drain the Whey:
    Turn off the heat. Strain the curdled milk using a muslin cloth or fine sieve to separate the paneer (milk solids) from the whey. Do not rinse.
  4. Cook the Paneer:
    Transfer the paneer back into the pan. Add sugar and cardamom powder. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly. The mixture will release moisture and then begin to thicken.
  5. Form the Cake:
    When the mixture becomes dense and starts leaving the sides of the pan, grease a square or rectangular tray with ghee and pour the mixture into it. Flatten the surface evenly.
  6. Set and Slice:
    Let it cool at room temperature for an hour or refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up. Once set, cut into squares or diamonds.
  7. Garnish:
    Sprinkle chopped nuts if desired.

Would you like a microwave or instant version of this recipe as well?

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