Dharwad pedha is a type of sweet that is made in Dharwad, Karnataka, India. It is a GI tagged product, which means that it has a geographical indication. This means that the product is associated with a specific geographical location and that its quality and reputation are due to that location. The GI tag for Dharwad pedha was awarded in 2007.
Dharwad pedha is made from milk, sugar, and ghee. It is a soft, chewy sweet that has a sweet and milky flavor. Dharwad pedha is often served with a cup of tea or coffee.
The history of Dharwad pedha dates back to the 19th century. It is said that a family of confectioners from Uttar Pradesh migrated to Dharwad and started making pedha. The pedha that they made was unique because it was made from the milk of local cows. The milk of these cows was known to be rich in flavor and creaminess.
The secret to the unique flavor of Dharwad pedha is the use of fresh milk and ghee. The milk is boiled and then simmered until it thickens. Ghee is then added to the milk and the mixture is stirred until it reaches a soft and chewy consistency. The pedha is then shaped into small balls and cooled.
Dharwad pedha is a popular sweet in Karnataka and it is also exported to other parts of India and to other countries. The GI tag for Dharwad pedha helps to protect the product from imitation and to promote it to a wider audience.
Preparation:
Traditional Dharwad pedha is made using a method that has been passed down for generations. The process is as follows:
- Boil the milk: Full-fat milk is boiled in a heavy-bottomed pan until it thickens and reduces to half of its original volume. This process can take several hours.
- Add the sugar and ghee: Sugar and ghee are added to the thickened milk and stirred until the sugar melts.
- Cook on low heat: The mixture is cooked on low heat, stirring constantly, until it turns a deep golden brown color. This process can take up to an hour.
- Add the cardamom powder: Cardamom powder is added to the mixture and mixed well.
- Cool and shape: The mixture is removed from the heat and allowed to cool slightly. It is then shaped into small balls by hand.
- Roll in sugar: The balls are rolled in sugar and served.
Traditional Dharwad pedha is made using only a few simple ingredients, but it is a complex and time-consuming process to make. The secret to the unique flavor and texture of Dharwad pedha is the use of fresh, high-quality milk and the slow cooking process.
Here are some additional tips for making traditional Dharwad pedha:
- Use a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent the milk from burning.
- Stir the mixture constantly while it is cooking to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
- Cook the mixture until it turns a deep golden brown color to get the best flavor.
- Add the cardamom powder at the end of the cooking process to prevent it from losing its flavor.
- Shape the mixture into balls while it is still warm.
- Roll the balls in sugar immediately after shaping them to prevent them from drying out.
Dharwad pedha is a delicious and authentic sweet that is a testament to the skill and artistry of the confectioners of Dharwad.
The GI tag for Dharwad pedha is a valuable asset for the confectioners of Dharwad and for the people of Karnataka. It helps to protect the unique heritage of Dharwad pedha and to promote it to the world.
- It protects the product from imitation.
- It promotes the product to a wider audience.
- It ensures that the quality of the product is maintained.
- It increases the price of the product, as it is seen as a high-quality product.
- It improves the marketability of the product, as it is seen as a unique and authentic product.
References:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dharwad_pedha#:~:text=Its%20GI%20tag%20number%20is%2080.
- https://karnatakatourism.org/destinations/dharwad-peda/
- https://www.gktoday.in/question/dharwad-peda-is-an-indian-sweet-unique-to-the-stat
- https://www.outlookindia.com/travel/9-gi-tagged-indian-food-with-interesting-history-news-192217
