I have always been a fan of traditional Indian sweets, and one that holds a special place in my heart is Palkova. This delectable dessert, also known as Palgova or Theratti Paal, is a rich and creamy milk fudge that simply melts in your mouth. The traditional method of making Palkova involves hours of stirring and simmering the milk on a stovetop, but today I want to share with you a quick and easy recipe to make Palkova in the microwave.
Gather Your Ingredients
The first step in making Palkova in the microwave is to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
– 1 liter of full-fat milk
– 1/2 cup of sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom powder
– A microwave-safe bowl
– A microwave oven
– A spatula or spoon for stirring
Prep and Heat the Milk
Once you have all your ingredients ready, pour the milk into the microwave-safe bowl. Make sure to leave some space at the top as the milk tends to rise while heating. Place the bowl in the microwave oven and heat it on high power for 8 minutes.
Stir and Heat Again
After the initial 8 minutes, remove the bowl from the microwave using oven mitts as it will be hot. Give the milk a good stir to prevent any skin from forming. Place the bowl back in the microwave and heat it for an additional 8 minutes on high power.
Add Sugar and Cardamom Powder
Once the milk is heated for the second time, it should have reduced in volume and become slightly thicker. Now, it’s time to add the sugar and cardamom powder. Mix well until all the sugar is dissolved and the cardamom powder is evenly distributed throughout the milk.
Microwave in Intervals
At this stage, it’s important to keep a close eye on the Palkova to avoid any spills or overcooking. Microwave the mixture for 4 minutes on high power, then remove and stir it well. Repeat this process of microwaving for 4 minutes and stirring until the Palkova reaches the desired consistency.
Keep Stirring and Microwaving
As you continue to microwave and stir the Palkova, you’ll notice that it starts to thicken and change color to a creamy off-white. The entire process will take around 20-25 minutes, but the exact time may vary depending on your microwave’s power. Keep in mind that the cooking time will also affect the texture of the final product, so adjust accordingly to your preference.
Cool and Enjoy
Once the Palkova reaches the desired consistency and color, remove it from the microwave and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Be cautious as the mixture will be extremely hot. During the cooling process, the Palkova will thicken further, so don’t worry if it seems slightly runny right out of the microwave.
Note:
If you prefer a more solid and fudgy texture, you can refrigerate the Palkova for an hour or two before serving. This will also enhance the flavors and make it even more enjoyable.
And there you have it! A quick and easy recipe to make mouthwatering Palkova in the microwave. This method cuts down on the time and effort required for the traditional stovetop version, without compromising on the taste and texture. So go ahead, give it a try, and indulge in the heavenly sweetness of homemade Palkova without breaking a sweat.