Milk cake
Janmashtami is a time of celebration, devotion, and offering delicious bhog to Lord Krishna. This year, why not make your offering extra special by preparing a unique and mouth-watering dessert that even Lord Krishna might appreciate? Try the Sabudana Milk Cake, a quick and easy sweet treat that can be made in just 40 minutes! Not only is it ideal for fasting (upvas) but it’s also a delightful dessert that will have everyone asking for more.
Here’s how you can prepare this delectable dish with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients Needed:
- Sabudana (Sago) – 1 cup
- Full-fat milk – 1 ½ cups
- Sugar – ½ cup (adjust to taste)
- Ghee (Clarified Butter) – 2 tablespoons
- Cardamom powder – ½ teaspoon
- Chopped almonds – 2 tablespoons
- Chopped pistachios – 2 tablespoons
- Saffron strands – a few (optional, for color and fragrance)
- Rose water or kewra essence – a few drops (optional for aroma)
Method:
- Preparing the Sabudana (Sago):
- Rinse the sabudana thoroughly in water to remove any dust.
- Soak it in water for about 30 minutes. The sabudana pearls should swell up and become soft. Drain any excess water if there is any left after soaking.
- Cooking the Milk:
- In a heavy-bottomed pan, add full-fat milk and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once it starts boiling, lower the heat to simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- If you are using saffron, add the saffron strands into the milk for a richer color and fragrance.
- Making the Milk Cake:
- In a separate pan, heat the ghee on medium heat. Once the ghee is hot, add the soaked sabudana (sago) and sauté it for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. This will help the sabudana to get a light golden color and absorb the ghee.
- Now, add the milk to the pan with sabudana. Stir well and cook on a low flame for about 10-12 minutes. The sabudana will start absorbing the milk and soften further.
- Add sugar and cardamom powder to the mixture and continue stirring. The mixture will begin to thicken and come together. This step might take around 5-6 minutes.
- Finishing Touches:
- Once the mixture has thickened to a pudding-like consistency, add chopped almonds and pistachios for a crunchy texture.
- Stir in a few drops of rose water or kewra essence for a sweet floral aroma (optional).
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined.
- Setting the Milk Cake:
- Grease a plate or a shallow dish with ghee to prevent the milk cake from sticking.
- Pour the prepared milk-sabudana mixture into the greased dish and spread it evenly. Let it set for at least 20 minutes to firm up.
- Once set, cut the milk cake into squares or desired shapes.
Why Try This Recipe for Janmashtami?
- Quick and Easy: Unlike traditional sweets that require long preparation times, this sabudana milk cake can be made in just about 40 minutes.
- Perfect for Fasting: Since it doesn’t require any flour or grains, this recipe is perfect for those observing fasting (upvas) on Janmashtami.
- Deliciously Satisfying: The combination of creamy milk, soft sabudana, and crunchy nuts makes this dessert irresistible. The hint of cardamom and rose water adds a festive touch.
- Lord Krishna’s Favorite: While this is a contemporary recipe, sabudana or sago is often used in many traditional fasting recipes and is sure to please the Lord’s devotees.
This Sabudana Milk Cake is an excellent way to make your Janmashtami offering extra special. It’s not only delicious but also simple enough to prepare even if you’re short on time. So, this Janmashtami, offer Lord Krishna a sweet treat that will have everyone singing your praises, and of course, make enjoy a slice yourself!
