Peda

Peda, also known as Pera, is a cherished confection from the Indian subcontinent, with its origins in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India. These sweets are typically crafted into thick, semi-soft pieces using ingredients such as khoa (a type of dried milk), sugar, and traditional flavorings like cardamom seeds, pistachio nuts, and saffron. The color of peda can range from creamy white to caramel.

Intriguingly, the term "peda" is also broadly used to describe any round, doughy substance, whether made from flour or khoa. You might encounter various spellings such as pedha, penda, and pera, but they all denote the same delightful treat.

The Mathura Peda is a special variety originating from the city of Mathura in Uttar Pradesh. Over time, this sweet has spread across the Indian subcontinent. For example, Thakur Ram Ratan Singh from Lucknow relocated to Dharwad in present-day Karnataka in the 1850s, bringing pedas with him and thus introducing the renowned Dharwad pedha. Another notable variation is the Kandi Peda from Satara in Maharashtra.

Much like laddoos, pedas are often offered as prasadam (a religious offering) during ceremonies, making them not only a delight for the palate but also part of spiritual traditions.