Pistachio Peda in Microwave for Holi Celebration

Peda or Pera is a round 1/2 inch thick semi-soft milk fudge like sweet from Indian subcontinent. It originates in the state of Uttar Pradesh, North India. From there, it has spread to all over India because of its taste. But, the most famous and delicious peda is found only in Mathura city of Uttar Pradesh.
The main ingredients are Khoya(thick milk solid), sugar and flavorings like cardamom, saffron and pistachio nuts. Its color varies from creamy white to caramel color. Different food color is also used to give it a colorful look. Pedas are also used as a prasad(offering to God) in Hindu temples or other religious ocassions. And it's a very common sweet made at home for special ocassions and festivals.

Now the making of peda is kind of time consuming and laborious. You have to solidify the milk to make khoya and after mixing sugar and flavour into khoya, Pedas are made. The whole process takes at least an hour. But the end result is off course rewarding and satisfactory.
But, nowadays with the help of technology, we can get things done very easily and quickly. These pedas you can make quite easily and quite fast (cooking time 5-7 minutes) in Microwave Oven. So, without any delay, here is the recipe of how to make Pedas in Microwave. You just need three ingredients and you are done. You can do the same with cashew nuts.

You Need ::

Low fat Milk powder : 400 gms.
Condensed Milk : 1 tin(400 gms.)
Unsalted Butter : 2 tbsp., melted
Pistachios : 3/4 cup [grind into powder]
Some chopped Pistachios and cashew nuts for decoration
Few saffron strands for decoration

How To ::

In a microwave safe bowl, take melted butter, milk powder and condensed milk and grounded pistachio powder and mix together. Make sure there is no lump in the mixture.
Put the bowl in microwave in high and cook for 2 minutes. Then take out the bowl and give it a good mix. Again put the bowl for another 2 minutes, then again take it out and give it a good mix. At this time, you'll see the mixture solidifies.
To test it is done, take a little amount and try to make a ball between your palm. If you can make a ball and it doesn't stick to your hand, then it's done.
If not, put the bowl for another 1 minute at a time, take out and check. Note : cooking time varies from microwave to microwave, on the power of your microwave.Do not overcook the mixture. As soon as you can roll the mixture in your palm it is done. It should not harden much.
When done, let it cool for few minutes, about 3-4 minutes. Do not let it cool for long time, then you won't be able to give them a shape.
Grease a plate and set aside. Grease your hands too with oil or ghee, take a small amount between your palms, roll it round and then gently press and make it flat and round. Quickly make other pedas.
Decorate with cashew nuts, pistachios, raisins or saffron strands. I decorated with chopped pistachios and cashew nuts. Soak saffron stands in a drop of milk and take one stand and put it in the middle of each peda.
After you are done with whole mixture, cover the plate with plastic wrap and put in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to set.
Pedas should be served in room temperature.