Every region in India is famous for its unique desserts. While Mathura Peda is well-known, there is also Dharwad Peda, which is the calling card of the city of Dharwad in the state of Karnataka. This sweet is sold in the market for a price ranging from 600 to 800 rupees per kilogram, but it can be easily made at home to achieve a taste identical to the store-bought version.
This dessert, made from milk and sugar, is characterized by its light brown color, grainy texture, as well as a caramel aroma and taste. According to the Karnataka Tourism Department, the history of Dharwad Peda spans over 175 years, and it has received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
The History of 175-Year-Old Dharwad Peda
The history of Dharwad Peda is quite well-known: it is believed that a vendor named Ram Ratan Singh Thakur from Unnavaada (Uttar Pradesh) arrived in Dharwad. After this, he began producing peda from milk and selling it locally. Over time, this sweet became so popular that its identity became associated with the city of Dharwad. Later, this dessert acquired its own recognition in Dharwad and was sometimes referred to as Line Bazaar Peda. Today, Dharwad Peda is among the main traditional sweets of Karnataka and holds a GI tag, highlighting its popularity.
How to Make Dharwad Peda at Home?
The authentic taste of Dharwad Peda is achieved through a long process of milk preparation. For homemade preparation, a large quantity of ingredients is not required; only some patience is needed to prepare it.
The specialty of Dharwad Peda lies in its light caramelized taste and grainy structure, which distinguishes it from other desserts. The preparation involves slow simmering of milk, which leads to a change in the color of the milk solids and imparts a unique flavor to the sweet. This is its main distinguishing feature, and you can make homemade Dharwad Peda similar to the store-bought one, for example, for the festival of Savan.
