Fijian Peda Recipe

Jennifer Segal

15 May, 2024

Explore the authentic flavors of Fiji with our enticing Fiji-style peda recipe. Indulge in a sweet journey with this easy-to-follow, delicious treat!

Fiji Style Peda

Publisher: Crisp Recipe
Cuisine: Fijian
Category: Dessert
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 20
Calories: 120 calories

Fiji-style peda, a delectable sweet treat originating from the vibrant Fijian culinary traditions, embodies the essence of indulgence and cultural richness. This delightful dessert is characterized by a harmonious blend of simple yet flavorful ingredients, creating a symphony of taste and texture.

The heart of the recipe lies in the marriage of condensed milk, ghee, milk powder, and cardamom powder. The condensed milk provides a luscious sweetness, while ghee contributes a rich, buttery undertone. The milk powder plays a crucial role, transforming the mixture into a pliable, dough-like consistency. The fragrant cardamom powder introduces a distinctive aroma and an additional layer of complexity to the flavor profile.

The cooking process unfolds with a careful dance of heat and stirring. As the condensed milk and ghee meld together, the mixture undergoes a magical transformation, thickening to the desired consistency. The addition of cardamom powder elevates the aroma, signaling the impending creation of a Fijian delicacy.

Shaping the cooled mixture into petite rounds, or pedas, is a tactile joy. The final touch, optional yet visually appealing, involves a garnish of finely chopped nuts, introducing a delightful crunch to complement the smoothness of the pedas.

Whether prepared for festive occasions, family gatherings, or as a sweet respite in daily life, Fiji-style peda stands as a testament to the Fijian dedication to flavor, tradition, and the simple joy derived from savoring a well-crafted dessert. Each bite not only satisfies the sweet tooth but also carries with it the warmth and authenticity of Fijian culinary heritage.

Recipe

Dive into a world of sweet indulgence with our Fiji-style peda recipe! Discover the art of crafting these luscious treats, blending tradition with a touch of creativity. Sweeten your moments now!

Ingredients

1 can (14 oz) condensed milk
2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
1 cup milk powder
1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
Chopped nuts (optional, for garnish)

Method Instructions

In a non-stick pan, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee over medium heat. Ensure the pan is large enough to accommodate all ingredients.
Pour the entire can of condensed milk into the heated ghee. Stir continuously to avoid sticking and burning.
Continue stirring the mixture over medium heat. It will gradually thicken. This may take around 8-10 minutes.
Once the mixture thickens, add 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom powder for flavor. Mix it well into the dough.
Gradually add 1 cup of milk powder to the pan. Keep stirring to ensure a smooth consistency without lumps.
Stir until the mixture forms a thick, dough-like consistency. It should easily come together, and you can take it off the heat.
Allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes. It should be warm enough to handle but not too hot.
Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into round pedas. You can grease your palms with ghee to prevent sticking.
If desired, garnish the pedas with chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios.
Let the pedas cool completely before serving. This helps them firm up.

Recipe Video

Fiji Style Peda

This is a video about Fiji Style Peda.

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Recipe Tags: Fiji Style Peda, Fiji Style Peda Recipe, Recipe

Servings

Serving Fiji-style peda is a delightful experience that enhances the enjoyment of this sweet treat. Here's a simple guide on how to serve these delectable pedas:

Presentation: Arrange the Fiji-style pedas on a decorative plate or serving tray. Consider using traditional Fijian motifs or vibrant colors to add a touch of authenticity to the presentation.
Garnish (Optional): If you haven't already added chopped nuts during the preparation, you can sprinkle a few on top just before serving. This not only adds visual appeal but also introduces a delightful crunch.
Accompaniments (Optional): While Fiji-style peda is delicious on its own, you can consider serving it with a side of freshly sliced fruits like mangoes or strawberries. This adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the pedas.
Tea or Coffee Pairing: Fiji-style peda pairs exceptionally well with a cup of hot tea or coffee. The subtle flavors of the pedas complement the rich, aromatic notes of the beverages.
Serve at Room Temperature: Ensure the pedas are served at room temperature. This allows them to showcase their ideal texture and flavor. If they've been refrigerated, let them sit out for a bit before serving.

Tips

Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality condensed milk, ghee, and milk powder. The richness of the ingredients significantly impacts the flavor of the pedas.
Consistent Stirring: Stir continuously during the cooking process to prevent the mixture from sticking to the pan and forming lumps. This ensures a smooth and creamy texture.
Cardamom Freshness: If possible, use freshly ground cardamom powder for the best flavor. This spice adds a distinctive aromatic element to the pedas.
Grease Hands with Ghee: When shaping the pedas, grease your hands with a bit of ghee to prevent the mixture from sticking. This makes the process smoother and less messy.
Decoration Creativity: Get creative with the optional garnish. Chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios not only add texture but also enhance the visual appeal of the pedas.
Serve at Room Temperature: Allow the pedas to cool to room temperature before serving. This allows them to firm up and showcase their ideal texture.
Storage: Store the pedas in an airtight container at room temperature. They can be enjoyed for several days. If you refrigerate them, bring them back to room temperature before serving.
Experiment with Shapes: While round pedas are traditional, feel free to experiment with different shapes. You can create small discs or even shape them into bite-sized squares for a unique presentation.
Share the Joy: Fiji-style peda is a delightful treat meant to be shared. Consider making a batch for special occasions or as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.
Enjoy with Tea or Coffee: The subtle sweetness of the pedas pairs exceptionally well with a cup of hot tea or coffee. Consider serving them as a delightful accompaniment to your favorite beverage.

Ingredient Substitutes

While maintaining the authenticity of Fiji-style peda is ideal, there are some ingredient substitutes you can consider if you're looking for alternatives or facing limitations. Keep in mind that these substitutions might slightly alter the flavor or texture, but they can still result in a delicious treat:

Condensed Milk: If condensed milk is not available, you can try using sweetened condensed coconut milk or make your own by simmering equal parts of regular milk and sugar until it thickens.
Ghee (Clarified Butter): Unsalted butter can be used as a substitute for ghee. While it won't have the same nutty flavor, it will still provide richness. Alternatively, you can use coconut oil for a different flavor profile.
Milk Powder: If you don't have milk powder, you can use a combination of powdered sugar and a small amount of all-purpose flour. However, this might slightly affect the texture, so use it sparingly.
Cardamom Powder: Ground cinnamon or nutmeg can be used as a substitute for cardamom powder. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preference.
Chopped Nuts (Garnish): If nuts are not available or you have allergies, consider skipping the garnish. Alternatively, shredded coconut or edible flower petals can add a decorative touch.