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Kwadon Madara

Also known as Kwadon Madara (Fulani Sweetened Condensed Milk)

Kwadon Madara — sweetened condensed milk prepared at home from fresh Fulani cow's milk — is the Northern Nigerian traditional equivalent of commercial sweetened condensed milk, made by slowly reducing fresh whole cow's milk with sugar until it becomes thick, deeply caramelised, intensely sweet and shelf-stable. This home preparation from fresh Nigerian milk produces a product of exceptional flavour — the natural caramelisation of the milk sugars during the long reduction crea

Kwadon Madara, Nigerian cooking

Ingredients

  • 4 big glasses of fresh whole cow's milk — the freshest and most full-fat available
  • 1 big cup of white sugar
  • A pinch of salt

Method

  1. 01

    Combining Milk and Sugar. Pour the fresh milk into a wide, heavy-bottomed pot. Add the sugar and a pinch of salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves.

  2. 02

    Long Reduction — Patience Required. Bring to a medium heat — not a full boil. Cook, stirring regularly, for 45 to 60 minutes. The milk will slowly reduce in volume, thicken and take on a deeper, more golden colour as the milk sugars caramelise. Stir more frequently in the final 15 minutes as the mixture thickens and is more prone to sticking and burning at the bottom.

  3. 03

    Testing the Consistency. The Kwadon Madara is ready when it has reduced to approximately one-third of its original volume, coats the back of a spoon thickly and a small amount placed on a cold surface holds its shape slightly.

  4. 04

    Jarring. Pour the hot Kwadon Madara into a sterilised glass jar. Allow to cool completely — it will thicken further as it cools.

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