Besan Halwa Recipe: A Melt-in-the-Mouth North Indian Delight
Besan Halwa is a classic North Indian dessert that embodies the rich flavors and traditional ingredients of the region. With the earthy goodness of gram flour (besan), this halwa is slow-cooked in ghee, sweetened with sugar, and infused with aromatic cardamom. The warm, nutty texture and indulgent sweetness of this dessert make it the perfect treat to end any meal. Whether it’s a festive occasion or just a cozy night in, Besan Halwa is sure to please with its melt-in-the-mouth goodness.
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Dessert
Diet: Vegetarian
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Gram flour (besan) | 1 cup |
| Ghee | 1/2 cup |
| Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Water | 2-1/2 cups |
| Cardamom powder (elaichi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Whole almonds (badam), chopped or sliced | 1 tablespoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 240-270 kcal |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 15g |
Instructions:
Step 1: Roast the Gram Flour
- Begin by heating a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup of ghee and let it melt completely.
- Once the ghee is melted, add 1 cup of gram flour (besan) to the pan. Stir well to coat the flour with ghee.
- Keep roasting the mixture on medium heat, stirring constantly, for about 5 minutes. The flour will gradually begin to change color and release a fragrant, nutty aroma. The texture will turn crumbly, resembling coarse sand.
Step 2: Prepare the Sugar Syrup
- While the besan is roasting, take another saucepan and combine 2-1/2 cups of water and 1/2 cup of sugar.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. Once it starts boiling, lower the heat and add 1 teaspoon of cardamom powder to infuse it with a fragrant spice. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Step 3: Combine the Syrup with Roasted Besan
- Slowly add the hot sugar syrup to the roasted besan, one ladleful at a time, while stirring continuously. You’ll notice that the mixture may begin to split or curdle initially, but don’t worry—that’s a normal part of the process.
- Keep stirring to help the mixture come together and absorb the syrup. The besan will gradually begin to thicken but should still have a slightly coarse texture, not a dough-like consistency.
Step 4: Cook and Finish the Halwa
- Continue cooking the besan halwa on medium heat for another 5-10 minutes. Stir constantly as the mixture thickens and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan.
- Once it reaches a consistency where it starts to gather into a mass and forms a smooth, slightly glossy texture, remove the pan from the heat.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of chopped or sliced almonds (badam) to give the halwa a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Let the halwa rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
Besan Halwa is best enjoyed warm and can be served as a satisfying dessert after a hearty meal. Pair it with classic North Indian dishes like Dal Makhani, Paneer Butter Masala, Garlic Naan, and Jeera Rice for a complete meal.
This rich and flavorful dessert is perfect for festive occasions or a simple family dinner. It not only brings a sense of warmth but also carries the nostalgic essence of Indian sweet-making traditions.
Pro Tips:
- Roasting the besan: The key to a perfect Besan Halwa lies in how well you roast the besan. Ensure that you roast it until it turns a golden brown and releases a nutty fragrance. This step adds a lot of depth to the flavor of the halwa.
- Adjusting sweetness: Feel free to adjust the sugar according to your sweetness preference. Some may prefer a slightly less sweet version, while others might enjoy a more indulgent treat.
- Flavor twist: For an added twist, you can garnish the halwa with a few strands of saffron or a dash of rose water for a more aromatic experience.
Conclusion:
Besan Halwa is an incredibly comforting and satisfying dessert that embodies the essence of Indian sweets. Its rich texture and subtle cardamom flavor, combined with the nutty crunch of almonds, make each bite an indulgence. Whether you’re looking to serve it as a festive treat or simply want a sweet ending to your meal, this North Indian dessert will never disappoint. So go ahead, give this recipe a try and indulge in the warmth and sweetness of this delicious halwa!
