Milk Panels, also known as Dudh Pitha in certain regions, are a delightful traditional dessert made from milk, sugar, and a hint of cardamom, often enjoyed during festive occasions. These delicate, chewy panels are a perfect blend of creamy sweetness and subtle spice, making them an ideal treat for both special celebrations and everyday indulgence. With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow method, you can create these mouthwatering delights right in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- For the Milk Panels:
- 1 liter full-fat milk
- 200 grams sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter) for greasing
- For Garnish (optional):
- Chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios)
- Dried fruits (raisins, cashews)
- A pinch of saffron strands
Instructions
- Prepare the Milk:
- In a heavy-bottomed pot, bring the milk to a gentle boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
- Curdle the Milk:
- Once the milk starts to boil, add lemon juice (or vinegar) gradually while stirring gently. The milk will begin to curdle, separating the curds (chenna) from the whey. Remove from heat once fully curdled.
- Strain the Curdled Milk:
- Place a muslin cloth or a fine sieve over a bowl. Pour the curdled milk into the cloth, allowing the whey to drain out. Rinse the chenna under cold water to remove any acidic taste and squeeze out excess water.
- Cook the Chenna:
- Return the chenna to the pot over low heat. Add sugar and cardamom powder. Cook while stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and leaves the sides of the pot, about 8-10 minutes. Ensure the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Shape the Panels:
- Grease a flat plate or tray with ghee. Transfer the cooked chenna mixture onto the greased surface and spread it evenly, about 1/4 inch thick. Use a spatula to smooth the surface. Allow it to cool for about 30 minutes until set.
- Cut into Panels:
- Once cooled, cut the mixture into desired shapes (squares or rectangles) using a sharp knife. If desired, garnish with chopped nuts, dried fruits, or saffron strands for added flavor and presentation.
- Serve:
- Your delicious Milk Panels are ready to serve! Enjoy them as a delightful dessert, or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.