Kalakhand

This is one amazing milk based sweet. Although made with paneer, the milky juicy taste makes it my favourite. I did not know I would like it so much till I made it the first time. MAny of you would have come across this recipe using condensed milk / Milkmaid.

Preparation Time : 15 minutes
Cooking Time : 10 minutes
Makes : 12 - 15 pieces

Ingredients

Fresh Homemade Paneer - 500 gms
Milk Powder - 2 tbsp
Milkmaid - 400 gm (1 tin)
Cardamom Powder - 1 tsp
Pistachios - 1 tbsp chopped finely
Saffron - a few strands

Procedure

1. Crumble the paneer well and mash well with your hands for a minute
2. Mix the milk powder, milkmaid and combine well.
3. Heat the mixture on a medium flame stirring continuously till it becomes thick and starts leaving the sides of the pan.
4. Add cardamom powder, saffron 
5. Remove from flame and spread on to a greased plate. Sprinkle pistachios
6. Cool and cut into squares.

Notes:

1. To make 500gm of paneer , you will need about 3.8 litres of milk .
2. While curdling milk to make paneer, always remember not to use concentrated curdling agent. Whenther it is lemon juice / vinegar, dilute it with a little water.
3. Never add the curdling agent when the milk is boiling. Once the milk boils, swtich off the flame, wait for 1 minute and then add the curdling agent little at a time, and stir to check if it is enough.
4. By doing this, you will avoid concentrating your paneer with other flavours. Also the paneer will be very soft.