When it comes to traditional Indian sweets, there are few that can rival the popularity and taste of Brijwasi peda or Mathura Peda. Brijwasi peda is a popular sweet from the city of Mathura in Uttar Pradesh, India. This delectable dessert has been a favorite of people across the country for generations, with its soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich, creamy flavor made from khoya, which is a type of dried milk. But what is the history of Brijwasi peda, and how did it become such a beloved sweet in India and beyond?
Origin of Brijwasi Peda
The history of Brijwasi peda dates back to the early 19th century, when it was first made by the Brijwasi community in Mathura. According to local legends, the recipe for Brijwasi peda was first created by a group of priests who lived in the ancient temple town of Vrindavan, which is located just a few kilometers away from Mathura. These priests, who were known as Brijwasis, used to offer the sweet to Lord Krishna as part of their daily worship, and it soon became a popular delicacy among the devotees who visited the temple.
Over time, the fame of Brijwasi peda spread beyond Vrindavan and Mathura, and it became a beloved sweet across the country. Today, Brijwasi peda is available in various forms and flavors, ranging from the classic plain peda to the more exotic ones that are flavored with saffron, cardamom, and nuts.
Making of Brijwasi Peda
The making of Brijwasi peda is a delicate and intricate process that requires skill, patience, and attention to detail. The basic ingredients of Brijwasi peda include milk, sugar, and ghee, which are mixed together and cooked over low heat until they thicken and form a soft, dough-like consistency. The mixture is then flavored with cardamom powder and shaped into small, round balls, which are decorated with silver foil and nuts.
One of the unique features of Brijwasi peda is its texture, which is achieved by kneading the mixture with a wooden spatula, known as a peda maker, until it becomes soft and smooth. This process not only gives the peda its distinctive texture but also helps to enhance the flavor and aroma of the sweet.
In recent years, Brijwasi peda has become popular across India and even internationally. Many companies now produce Brijwasi peda on a commercial scale, using modern manufacturing techniques. However, the traditional recipe and method of making Brijwasi peda is still revered by many, and it continues to be made by hand in small batches by Brijwasi families in Mathura and other parts of the Brij region.
Brijwasi peda is not just a sweet, but a symbol of India's rich cultural heritage and culinary traditions. Its origins may be rooted in ancient religious practices, but its popularity has transcended all boundaries of caste, creed, and religion. Whether enjoyed as a dessert or as a gift for loved ones, Brijwasi peda continues to delight and satisfy people across the country and beyond.