Habshi Halwa Recipe: A Delectable Indian Dessert
Indulge in the rich and luscious flavors of Habshi Halwa, a traditional Indian dessert crafted with the perfect blend of creamy milk, aromatic cardamom, and a touch of cocoa for a modern twist. This recipe is a treat for festive occasions and family gatherings, offering a sweet end to any meal. Let’s take a journey into the delightful world of this classic dessert.
Ingredients and Nutritional Information
| Ingredient | Quantity | Nutritional Information (Per Serving) |
|---|---|---|
| Full Cream Milk | 1 liter | 210 calories, 8g protein, 8g fat |
| Lemon Salt (mixed in water) | 1/4 teaspoon + 2 tsp water | Trace calories, sodium |
| White Vinegar | 1 tablespoon | Trace calories |
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 3 tablespoons | 90 calories, 2g protein, 0.3g fat |
| Ghee | 4 tablespoons | 360 calories, 40g fat |
| Sugar | 1/2 cup | 400 calories, 100g carbs |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | 1/2 teaspoon | Trace calories |
| Saffron Strands | 5 strands | Trace calories |
| Cocoa Powder (unsweetened) | 1 tablespoon | 15 calories, 1g protein, 1g fat |
| Slivered Almonds (Badam) | 1/2 cup | 260 calories, 9g protein, 23g fat |
Total Time: 70 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 4
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Curdling the Milk
- Pour 1 liter of full cream milk into a heavy-bottomed pan or kadhai.
- Bring the milk to a gentle boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Once boiled, turn off the heat. Add 1/4 teaspoon of lemon salt (pre-mixed with 2 teaspoons of water) and stir gently. Cover the pan and allow it to sit for 5 minutes.
- This resting time allows the milk to curdle, separating into solids and whey.
Step 2: Cooking the Curdled Mixture
- After 5 minutes, uncover the pan. You should see the milk fully curdled.
- Place the pan back on medium-high heat and cook for about 30-40 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
- The goal is to evaporate approximately half of the whey. The mixture should thicken into a grainy consistency.
Step 3: Sweetening and Enhancing Flavor
- Add 1/2 cup of sugar to the pan and stir until it dissolves completely.
- Mix in 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes. This step enhances the glossy texture.
Step 4: Incorporating Key Ingredients
- Gradually add 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour (maida), 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder, and 4 tablespoons of ghee to the mixture.
- Stir continuously to combine. The mixture will become glossy and start pulling away from the sides of the pan.
Step 5: Final Touches
- Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom powder and 5 saffron strands over the halwa. Mix well to infuse the dessert with warm, aromatic flavors.
- Fold in 1/2 cup of slivered almonds, ensuring even distribution.
Step 6: Setting the Halwa
- Grease a large plate or tray with a rim using ghee.
- Transfer the hot halwa mixture onto the plate. Use your fingers or a spatula to press it evenly into a smooth slab.
- Allow the halwa to cool completely at room temperature. Once firm, slice into desired shapes.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve Habshi Halwa as a standalone dessert or pair it with a traditional Ind
