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{{short description|Indian dairy food}}
{{short description|Indian dairy food}}
{{ref improve|date=March 2013}}
{{ref improve|date=March 2013}}
{{Infobox prepared food
{{Infobox food
| name             = Khoya
| name               = Khoa
| image           = Khoya.JPG
| image             = Khuwa vendor nepal.JPG
| caption         =Khoa  
| image_size        = 250px
| alternate_name   = khoya, koa, kova, maua, khuwa, khava, khuaa, mawa or kurauni
| caption           = Khoa vendor in Nepal
| country          = [[Indian Subcontinent]]
| alternate_name     = Khoya, khowa, teeyagaundi mawa
| region           = Indian Subcontinent
| country            = Indian subcontinent
| national_cuisine = [[Indian cuisine|India]], [[Bangladeshi cuisine|Bangladesh]], [[Pakistani cuisine|Pakistan]], [[Nepali cuisine|Nepal]]  
| region            = South Asia (India, Nepal, Pakistan)
| type            =
| creator            =
| served          =  
| type              = [[Cheese]]
| main_ingredient  = Milk
| course            = Dessert, main ingredient for sweets
| calories         =  
| main_ingredient    = Whole milk
| other            =
| calories           = Approximately 1318 kJ (315 kcal) per 100 g
|similar_dish=[[Kheer (Bengali sweets)|Kheer]]}}
| variations        = Batti, chikna, daanedaar, pindi, dhap
'''Khoa,Khua,khoya''', or '''mawa''' is a dairy food, originating from the [[Indian subcontinent]], widely used in the [[cuisines of the Indian subcontinent]], encompassing [[Indian cuisine|India]], [[Nepalese cuisine|Nepal]], [[Bangladeshi cuisine|Bangladesh]] and [[Pakistani cuisine|Pakistan]]. It is made of either dried whole [[milk]] or milk thickened by heating in an open iron pan. It is lower in moisture than typical fresh cheeses such as [[ricotta]].<ref>indiacurry.com [http://www.indiacurry.com/desserts/reducingmilkmath.htm Fuzzy Math for reducing milk] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012054451/http://www.indiacurry.com/desserts/reducingmilkmath.htm |date=2007-10-12 }} Retrieved 2008-02-24.</ref>
| national_cuisine   = [[Indian cuisine|Indian]], [[Nepalese cuisine|Nepalese]], [[Pakistani cuisine|Pakistani]].
| no_recipes        = yes
| no_commons         = yes
}}
'''Khoa''', '''khoya''', '''khowa''' or '''mawa'''<ref>{{Cite book |last=Tadka |first=Zayka Ka |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4MYQEAAAQBAJ&dq=Mawa+khoya+milk&pg=PT29 |title=Easy Sweets and Snacks Recipes |publisher=Zayka Ka Tadka |language=en}}</ref> is a soft cheese widely used in the [[cuisines of the Indian subcontinent]], encompassing India, Nepal, and Pakistan. It is made of either dried whole milk or milk thickened by heating in an open iron pan. It is lower in moisture than typical fresh cheeses such as [[ricotta]].<ref>indiacurry.com [http://www.indiacurry.com/desserts/reducingmilkmath.htm Fuzzy Math for reducing milk] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012054451/http://www.indiacurry.com/desserts/reducingmilkmath.htm |date=2007-10-12 }} Retrieved 2008-02-24.</ref> It is made from [[whole milk]] instead of [[whey]].


==Preparation==
==Preparation==
[[File:Khuwa vendor nepal.JPG|thumb|Khuwa vendor in Nepal]]
A concentration of milk to one-fifth volume is normal in the production of khoa. Khoa is used as the base for a wide variety of [[Indian sweets]]. About 600,000 metric tons are produced annually in India. Khoa is made from both cow and [[domestic buffalo|water buffalo]] milk. Khoa is made by simmering full-fat milk in a large, shallow iron pan for several hours over a medium fire. The gradual evaporation of its water content leaves only the milk solids. The ideal temperature to avoid scorching is about {{convert|80|C|sigfig=2}}.<ref name="making"/> Another quick way of making khoa is to add full-fat milk powder to skimmed milk and mixing and heating it until it becomes thick. This may, however, not have the same characteristics as traditionally made khoa.
A concentration of milk to one-fifth volume is normal in the production of khoa. Khoa is used as the base for a wide variety of [[Indian sweets]]. About 600,000 metric tons are produced annually in India. Khoa is made from both [[cow]] and [[domestic buffalo|water buffalo]] milk. Khoa is made by simmering full-fat milk in a large, shallow iron pan for several hours over a medium fire. The gradual evaporation of its water content leaves only the milk solids. The ideal temperature to avoid scorching is about {{convert|80|C|sigfig=2}}.<ref name="making"/> Another quick way of making khoa is to add full fat milk powder to skimmed milk and mixing and heating until it becomes thick. This may, however, not have the same characteristics as traditionally made khoa.


Khoa is normally white or pale yellow. If prepared in the winter, it may be saved for use in the summer, and may acquire a green tinge and grainier texture from a harmless surface mould. This is called ''hariyali'' (green khoa) and is used in recipes where the khoya is thoroughly cooked, e.g., ''[[gulab jamun]]''.{{citation needed|date=March 2017}} With the advent of refrigeration, the production of hariyali is rare.
Khoa is normally white or pale yellow. If prepared in the winter, it may be saved for use in the summer, and may acquire a green tinge and grainier texture from a harmless surface mould. This is called ''hariyali'' (green khoa) and is used in recipes where the khoa is thoroughly cooked, e.g., ''[[gulab jamun]]''.{{citation needed|date=March 2017}} With the advent of refrigeration, the production of hariyali is rare.


== Types ==
== Types ==
[[File:Pal Khovva in Krishnarajanagara, Mysore.jpg|thumb|Milk Khoa in [[Mysore, India]]]]
[[File:Pal Khovva in Krishnarajanagara, Mysore.jpg|thumb|Milk Khoa in [[Mysore, India]]]]
Khoya is classified into different types, based on moisture content. Different types of khoya are used for different preparations.
Khoa is classified into different types, based on moisture content. Different types of khoa are used for different preparations.


* ''Batti'', meaning "rock", has 20% moisture by weight and is the hardest of the three types; it can be grated like [[cheese]]. It can be aged for up to a year, during which it develops a unique aroma and a mouldy outer surface.<ref name="making">indiacurry.com [http://www.indiacurry.com/dairy/d006khoya.htm Making khoya mawa Recipe] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012054445/http://www.indiacurry.com/dairy/d006khoya.htm |date=2007-10-12 }} Retrieved 2008-02-24.</ref>
* ''Batti'', meaning "rock", has 20% moisture by weight and is the hardest of the three types; it can be grated like cheese. It can be aged for up to a year, during which it develops a unique aroma and a mouldy outer surface.<ref name="making">indiacurry.com [http://www.indiacurry.com/dairy/d006khoya.htm Making khoya mawa Recipe] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012054445/http://www.indiacurry.com/dairy/d006khoya.htm |date=2007-10-12 }} Retrieved 2008-02-24.</ref>
* ''Chikna'' ("slippery" or "squishy") khoya has 50% moisture.<ref name="making"/>
* ''Chikna'' ("slippery" or "squishy") khoa has 50% moisture.<ref name="making"/>
* ''Daanedaar'' is a grainy variety. The milk is coagulated with an acid during the simmering; it has a moderate moisture content.<ref name="making"/> It is used for preparing [[kalakand]], gourd barfi and other sweets.<ref name="SNM_2009">{{cite book |title=Milk & Milk Products |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eLkT-kJ2pj8C&pg=PA23 |publisher=APH |isbn=978-81-313-0414-3 |page=23 |author=SN Mahindru |year=2009 }}</ref>
* ''Daanedaar'' is a grainy variety. The milk is coagulated with an acid during the simmering; it has a moderate moisture content.<ref name="making"/> It is used for preparing [[kalakand]], gourd barfi and other sweets.<ref name="SNM_2009">{{cite book |title=Milk & Milk Products |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eLkT-kJ2pj8C&pg=PA23 |publisher=APH |isbn=978-81-313-0414-3 |page=23 |author=SN Mahindru |year=2009 }}</ref>
* ''Pindi'', dry khoya, is used for preparing [[barfi]] and [[peda]].<ref name="SNM_2009"/>
* ''Pindi'', dry khoa, is used for preparing [[barfi]] and [[peda]].<ref name="SNM_2009"/>
* ''Dhap'', a less dried version, is used for preparing [[gulab jamun]] and [[pantua]].<ref name="SNM_2009"/>
* ''Dhap'', a less dried version, is used for preparing [[gulab jamun]] and [[pantua]].<ref name="SNM_2009"/>


==Uses==
==Uses==
[[File:Almond Khoa based burfi Mumbai India.jpg|thumb|Assortment of [[barfi]] made of khoa, almonds and sugar, [[Mumbai, India]].]]
[[File:Almond Khoa based burfi Mumbai India.jpg|thumb|Assortment of [[Sweets from the Indian subcontinent|mithai]]: [[pedha]], [[barfi]] and [[Sandesh (confectionery)|sandesh]] made of khoa, sugar and various flavorings, in [[Mumbai, India]]]]
Khoa is used in various types of sweets:  
Khoa is used in various types of sweets:  
*[[Pedha]] is sweetened khoa formed into balls or thick disks (like patties) with flavourings such as saffron and/or cardamom added.
*[[Pedha]] is sweetened khoa formed into balls or thick disks (like patties) with flavourings such as saffron or cardamom added.
* [[Gulab jamun]], also a round ball sweet made from khoa and then deep fried and soaked in rose water flavoured sugar or honey syrup. A very popular Indian sweet.
* [[Gulab jamun]], a very common Indian sweet, consists of a round ball made from khoa and then deep-fried and soaked in rose-flavoured sugar or honey syrup.
*[[Barfi]] (or burfi) is also flavoured, but khoa is not the only ingredient. Typically, another ingredient, such as thickened fruit pulp or coconut shavings, is added to khoya and slow cooked until the moisture evaporates sufficiently to give the consistency of fudge, so it can be flattened and cut into rectangles, parallelograms or diamond shapes.
*[[Barfi]] (or burfi) is also flavoured, but khoa is not the only ingredient. Typically, another ingredient, such as thickened fruit pulp or coconut shavings, is added to khoa and slow-cooked until the moisture evaporates sufficiently to give the consistency of [[fudge]], so it can be flattened and cut into rectangles, parallelograms or diamond shapes.
* [[Gujia]], a sweet dumpling stuffed with khoa.
* [[Gujia]], a sweet, fried dumpling stuffed with khoa and nuts, is very commonly prepared during [[Holi]].
* [[Halwa]] is essentially a fudge made by adding khoa to wheat starch or cornstarch and sugar syrup to give a dairy-like taste and texture and as a thickening agent. Most halva recipes, however may omit the khoa, relying only on starch and sugar plus slivered nuts, spices such as [[cardamom]] and/ or [[saffron]], and flavorings such as [[rose water]] and [[screwpine]].
* [[Halwa]] is essentially a fudge made by adding khoa to wheat starch or cornstarch and sugar syrup to give a dairy-like taste and texture and act as a thickening agent. Most halwa recipes, however, omit the khoa, relying only on starch and sugar plus slivered nuts, spices such as [[cardamom]] or [[saffron]], and flavorings such as [[rose water]] and [[screwpine]].
* Main course north India dishes like [[khoya paneer]], Makhmali Kofte, Khoya Matar.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://food.ndtv.com/topic/khoya/recipes|title=Khoya Dishes - Khoya Recipes - NDTV Food|website=food.ndtv.com}}</ref>
* Main course north Indian dishes like [[khoya paneer]], makhmali kofte and khoya matar.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://food.ndtv.com/topic/khoya/recipes|title=Khoya Dishes Khoya Recipes NDTV Food|website=food.ndtv.com}}</ref>
*Naan Roti stuffed with Khoya/Khawa is a speciality of the Muslim bakers of Bangalore.
*Naan roti stuffed with khoa is a specialty of the bakers of [[Bangalore]].{{citation needed|date=January 2026}}
*Cream Bell Ice Creams of India sells an Ice Cream brand called Royal Rajwadi that contains thick layers of cold pressed Mawa covered thin layer of Indian Kulfi Ice Cream
* Homemade [http://vaamcooking.com/instant-khoya-recipe-milk-powder-khoya-homemade-instant-mawa/ Instant Khoya with milkpowder]


==See also==
==See also==
Line 59: Line 60:
[[Category:Nepalese cuisine]]
[[Category:Nepalese cuisine]]
[[Category:Indian dairy products]]
[[Category:Indian dairy products]]
[[Category:Pakistani cuisine]]

Latest revision as of 14:51, 15 February 2026


Khoa
Khoa vendor in Nepal
Alternative namesKhoya, khowa, teeyagaundi mawa
TypeCheese
CourseDessert, main ingredient for sweets
Place of originIndian subcontinent
Region or stateSouth Asia (India, Nepal, Pakistan)
Associated national cuisineIndian, Nepalese, Pakistani.
Main ingredientsWhole milk
VariationsBatti, chikna, daanedaar, pindi, dhap
Food energy
(per serving)
Approximately 1318 kJ (315 kcal) per 100 g kcal

Khoa, khoya, khowa or mawa[1] is a soft cheese widely used in the cuisines of the Indian subcontinent, encompassing India, Nepal, and Pakistan. It is made of either dried whole milk or milk thickened by heating in an open iron pan. It is lower in moisture than typical fresh cheeses such as ricotta.[2] It is made from whole milk instead of whey.

Preparation[edit | edit source]

A concentration of milk to one-fifth volume is normal in the production of khoa. Khoa is used as the base for a wide variety of Indian sweets. About 600,000 metric tons are produced annually in India. Khoa is made from both cow and water buffalo milk. Khoa is made by simmering full-fat milk in a large, shallow iron pan for several hours over a medium fire. The gradual evaporation of its water content leaves only the milk solids. The ideal temperature to avoid scorching is about 80 °C (180 °F).[3] Another quick way of making khoa is to add full-fat milk powder to skimmed milk and mixing and heating it until it becomes thick. This may, however, not have the same characteristics as traditionally made khoa.

Khoa is normally white or pale yellow. If prepared in the winter, it may be saved for use in the summer, and may acquire a green tinge and grainier texture from a harmless surface mould. This is called hariyali (green khoa) and is used in recipes where the khoa is thoroughly cooked, e.g., gulab jamun.[citation needed] With the advent of refrigeration, the production of hariyali is rare.

Types[edit | edit source]

Milk Khoa in Mysore, India

Khoa is classified into different types, based on moisture content. Different types of khoa are used for different preparations.

  • Batti, meaning "rock", has 20% moisture by weight and is the hardest of the three types; it can be grated like cheese. It can be aged for up to a year, during which it develops a unique aroma and a mouldy outer surface.[3]
  • Chikna ("slippery" or "squishy") khoa has 50% moisture.[3]
  • Daanedaar is a grainy variety. The milk is coagulated with an acid during the simmering; it has a moderate moisture content.[3] It is used for preparing kalakand, gourd barfi and other sweets.[4]
  • Pindi, dry khoa, is used for preparing barfi and peda.[4]
  • Dhap, a less dried version, is used for preparing gulab jamun and pantua.[4]

Uses[edit | edit source]

Assortment of mithai: pedha, barfi and sandesh made of khoa, sugar and various flavorings, in Mumbai, India

Khoa is used in various types of sweets:

  • Pedha is sweetened khoa formed into balls or thick disks (like patties) with flavourings such as saffron or cardamom added.
  • Gulab jamun, a very common Indian sweet, consists of a round ball made from khoa and then deep-fried and soaked in rose-flavoured sugar or honey syrup.
  • Barfi (or burfi) is also flavoured, but khoa is not the only ingredient. Typically, another ingredient, such as thickened fruit pulp or coconut shavings, is added to khoa and slow-cooked until the moisture evaporates sufficiently to give the consistency of fudge, so it can be flattened and cut into rectangles, parallelograms or diamond shapes.
  • Gujia, a sweet, fried dumpling stuffed with khoa and nuts, is very commonly prepared during Holi.
  • Halwa is essentially a fudge made by adding khoa to wheat starch or cornstarch and sugar syrup to give a dairy-like taste and texture and act as a thickening agent. Most halwa recipes, however, omit the khoa, relying only on starch and sugar plus slivered nuts, spices such as cardamom or saffron, and flavorings such as rose water and screwpine.
  • Main course north Indian dishes like khoya paneer, makhmali kofte and khoya matar.[5]
  • Naan roti stuffed with khoa is a specialty of the bakers of Bangalore.[citation needed]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. Tadka, Zayka Ka. Easy Sweets and Snacks Recipes. Zayka Ka Tadka.
  2. indiacurry.com Fuzzy Math for reducing milk Archived 2007-10-12 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 2008-02-24.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 indiacurry.com Making khoya mawa Recipe Archived 2007-10-12 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 2008-02-24.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 SN Mahindru (2009). Milk & Milk Products. APH. p. 23. ISBN 978-81-313-0414-3.
  5. "Khoya Dishes – Khoya Recipes – NDTV Food". food.ndtv.com.

External links[edit | edit source]