Kalakand Sweet Recipe: Festive Fudge You Can Make In Under 20 Minutes For Janmashtami

Milk based sweets get a special recognition on Janmashtami festival. In the ancient texts like Bhagwad Geeta and Purana, it is often mentioned that Lord Krishna was fond of milk based treats like makhan, mishri, and dahi. The reason behind Lord Krishna's fondness for milk based treats might be rooted in how he grew up in a cowherd community and how close he was to all his cattle. Lord Krishna was brought up in a village full of cowherds, also called Gopas and Gopis, where milk, butter, and ghee were more than just food items. They were a part of the culture and livelihood. Therefore, it is natural that dairy-based treats were a big part of their everyday life. In many of the illustrations of Lord Krishna, you may see him in baal avtar where he is stealing makhan from the homes of Gopis. This playful act or leela symbolized innocent mischief and unconditional love for his devotees. Just like makhan, he steals everyone's hearts and not possessions.

In Hindu culture, milk is often viewed as a sattvic or pure food. Its white color is the symbol of purity that nurtures and calms the mind. Milk is suitable for spiritual growth. This is why milk products signify prosperity and purity. Krishna’s love for milk based treats reflects his divine nature and plays a symbolic role to reflect his duties as a nurturer and the protector of the Universe. Looking at the fondness of Krishna for milk based treats, the sweets like makhan, mishri, malpua, kalakand, rabri, and pedas are therefore the principal offerings served at temples of Lord Krishna. This is why milk based treats are often included in Janmashtami chappan bhog thali and without it the platter is not considered complete.

When you are looking to make a perfect sweet for Janmashtami, you don’t actually need to think hard. Since milk based treats are the principal offerings, you can just easily whip up milk based sweets and serve it to the entire family. Among all the things you can make with milk, kalakand has to be the easiest one.

Made with chenna and flavored with spices, kalakand is one of the easiest and the most effortless treats you can make with curdled milk. To make kalakand, you only require about two base ingredients and then you can build up for the flavor and appeal. To make kalakand from scratch, milk is first curdled and the curds are separated to make chenna. Then this chenna is flavored with spices and sweeteners along with condensed milk. After preparing the mixture, it is poured out on a greased tray, spread evenly, and set in the refrigerator until firm. Once firm, it is sliced into squares and served with garnishes.

This recipe makes preparing kalakand at home much easier. Instead of preparing chenna from scratch, this recipe suggests the use of soft and fresh paneer. When you are running out of time and want to make something quickly, this recipe will be the savior for you. No elaborate steps, only two main ingredients, and this treat gets ready in just 20 minutes without compromising on flavor.

Check out the easy recipe for kalakand and make Janmashtami sweeter with a homemade treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup paneer (grated or crumbled) – fresh or store-bought
• ½ cup condensed milk
• ¼ tsp cardamom powder (elaichi)
• 1 tsp ghee (to grease)
• Chopped pistachios and almonds – for garnish
• A few saffron strands soaked in warm milk for flavor and color

Method:

Step 1: Heat the Pan:

Heat up a non-stick pan on low flame and add crumble paneer and condensed milk to it. Stir it well until combined.

Step 2: Cook the Mixture:

Keep stirring the mixture continuously on low to medium flame. The mixture will slowly thicken and start to leave the sides of the pan. This should take around 10 to 12 minutes to cook properly.

Step 3: Add Flavor:

Now add cardamom powder and saffron milk and mix well. Stir for another 1 to 2 minutes until it forms a soft, fudgy dough-like texture.

Step 4: Set the Kalakand:

Grease a tray or plate with ghee and pour the mixture into it. Flatten it gently with a spatula to even it out.

Step 5: Garnish:

Sprinkle chopped pistachios and almonds on top. Press lightly so they stick.

Step 6: Cool and Slice:

Let it cool completely for at least 30 minutes. Then cut into squares or diamonds and serve.