Kalakand, The Milk Halwa

Kalakand, or qalaqand or "kalakanu" also known as sandesh is a popular Indian sweet made out of solidified, sweetened milk and cottage cheese.Kalakand is made in Indian subcontinent during different festivals and celebrations such as Holi, Diwali, Navratri and Eid.

Makes/Serves: 8 to 10 pieces

Ingredients:

•          1cup Chenna

•          1 1/2 cup Khoya.

•          1 1/2 tbsp Ghee 

•          Sugar - 1/2 cup (You can increase sugar as per your taste)

•          1pinch of Cardamom powder 

•          Pistachios or almonds - fistful, sliced

 Method:

•          Mix the khoya and chenna in a bowl .

•          Now in a non-stick pan cook the khoya and chenna mixture on low heat. Keep stirring it will become soft. 

•          Now add ghee and Keep stirring for about 10  min

•          Add sugar and cardamom powder and keep mixing till it is well combined. Cook for another 10 min. keep stirring vigorously till it leaves the sides of the pan. 

•          Turn off flame and pour it into a greased dish and flatten it 

•          Garnish with slivered nuts and set for half an hour at room temperature. 

•          Cut into squares and serve. 

Recipe Credit: From my friend’s Rasoi

•    Cook Tip: *Chenna: is fresh, unripened curd cheese made from cow/water buffalo milk. Instead of khoya you can use condensed milk