Khoya or mawa is one of the most important ingredients used in Indian sweets or desserts. Traditionally, khoya is made with full-fat milk, but the high demand of the ingredient often leads to adulteration or fake khoya in the market.
According to a report by The Indian Express, Uttar Pradesh food safety authorities have uncovered the use of detergents, refined oil, talcum powder, and hydrogen peroxide as adulterants in Khoya at a manufacturing unit in Badshahpur village in Kanpur Dehat's Rasoolabad area. As per the report, the authorities have also found a cream extraction machine, khoya furnaces, and skimmed milk powder during the inspection.
Nearly 100 kg of prepared adulterated khoya was found during the drive and was destroyed. The Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) found that manufacturers were indulging in illicit practices due to the high demand for khoya and other dairy products ahead of Raksha Bandhan.
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The report further stated that during the inspection drive in Kanpur Dehat and Kanpur Nagar districts on Sunday, 24 teams inspected khoya manufacturing units in major markets, collected 28 samples and destroyed food materials as well as suspected adulterants veiled at Rs 1.50 lakh. An FIR has been registered in Kanpur Dehat under Sections 274 and 275 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), while proceedings to suspend the food registrations of three businesses were also initiated.
In another inspection in Badshahpur, officials found saifolite, a chemical used in the preparation of khoya. In Bhola Nagar village in Jhinjhak, another khoya manufacturing unit was found operating under unhygienic conditions. Here, officials found 10 litres of refined soybean oil, 10 packets of SMP and around 32 kg of prepared khoya.
Let's now take a look at some excellent alternatives to khoya you can try:
Milk Powder
You can make an instant, high-quality khoya substitute in 5 minutes by mixing 1 cup of full-cream milk powder, 2 tablespoons of ghee, and 1/4 to 1/3 cup of warm milk or heavy cream. Cook this mixture on low heat for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens into a soft, dough-like mass.
Evaporated Milk
For desserts, evaporated milk can mimic the concentrated dairy flavour of khiya. All you have to do is simmer over low heat until thickened, then add to your recipe.
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Condensed Milk
If you have no time to prepare a substitute from scratch, use condensed milk in your recipes.
Paneer
In some sweets, khoya can be replaced with soft, homemade paneer.
Light Whole Milk
Simmer whole milk in a pot over low heat until most of the water has evaporated and the milk is thickened and concentrated to have a rich, home-made khoya.