Mava ni Boi (Sweet Dessert made in the shape of a Fish)

Parsi Zoroastrians consider fish a symbol for fertility and good luck. Fish is cooked on auspicious occasions like birthdays and weddings. 

This special favorite  uses the name of the 'Boi' fish for it's shape. Boi is a freshwater fish from rivers and lakes in Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Surat, Navsari and Udvada. It has a sweet taste and shape like the trout.

Using a mould make these fish shaped desserts. The ingredients are not really fish but sugar, mava (ricotta cheese can be a substitute).

See complete recipe below.


ParsiCuisine.com

Ingredients:

500 gms - soft fresh white mava (Ricotta Cheese boiled down can be substituted)
300 gms - powdered sugar
1 tsp - cardamom powder
5 to 6 drops - decorating color as desired
1/4 cup - crushed almonds, pistachios, mixed

One  Fish shaped mold required. 

Method

  1. Warm mava and cook on low, stirring continuously, to form a very soft lump.

  2. Remove from fire, add colour, essence if desired.

  3. Mix and cool to room temperature.

  4. Add sugar, 3/4 of nuts, mix well.

  5. Transfer to a work surface, sprinkle with some icing sugar, knead lump well.

  6. Sprinkle icing sugar inside moulds of boi.

  7. Sprinkling remaining nuts in moulds, distributing in all equally.

  8. When lump is soft and smooth, take enough lumpfuls to press neatly into each mould.

  9. Refrigerate for 2 hours, till well set.

  10. Pry out of mould carefully, using tip of a small knife.

  11. Store in flat boxes arranged in single layer, refrigerate till required.

Making time: 45 minutes (excluding refrigerating time)
Makes: 12-15 pieces (depending on size of moulds)
Shelflife: 3-4 days

Fish Mold available, please click on image to see more details: