Sweet Pumpkin Halwa (Kaddu Ka Halwa) – A Delicious Indian Dessert Recipe

Pumpkin Halwa (Kaddu Ka Halwa)

Description
Pumpkin Halwa, also known as Kaddu Ka Halwa, is a quintessential North Indian dessert that is especially popular during festivals or on fasting days. Its rich, indulgent flavor and texture are sure to win over even the most skeptical of pumpkin lovers. While it is traditionally made with grated pumpkin, sugar, and milk, the addition of khoya (or mawa) elevates this dessert to another level of deliciousness, adding a creamy richness that makes it even more nutritious. This easy-to-make dessert is a wonderful way to incorporate pumpkin into your meals without anyone even realizing it, making it the perfect option for those who are not particularly fond of pumpkin. With its aromatic blend of dry fruits, cardamom, and ghee, this dish is a delightful treat for any occasion. Serve it as a sweet ending to your Holi lunch or dinner, and your guests will surely be asking for more.

Cuisine: Indian
Course: Dessert
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Preparation Time

10 minutes

Cooking Time

45 minutes

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dry Fruits:
   Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of ghee in a large kadhai (wok-style pan) over medium heat. Once the ghee is hot, add the sultana raisins. Fry them until they puff up, then remove them from the kadhai and set them aside on a plate.

2. Roast the Dry Fruits:
   In the same kadhai, add the chopped almonds and cashew nuts. Roast them lightly until they become golden and fragrant. Once done, transfer them to the plate with the raisins.

3. Cook the Pumpkin:
   Add 3 more tablespoons of ghee into the kadhai. Now, add the grated pumpkin and sauté it on low heat. Cook the pumpkin until the raw smell disappears and it softens, stirring occasionally.

4. Add Milk and Khoya:
   Pour in the milk, and allow the pumpkin to cook further until the milk is absorbed and the mixture thickens. Add khoya (mawa) to the pumpkin mixture, stirring well to combine. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the kadhai.

5. Sweeten the Halwa:
   Once the mixture begins to thicken, add the sugar. Stir well to ensure the sugar dissolves evenly and mixes into the halwa. Continue to stir continuously as the halwa thickens further.

6. Add Dry Fruits and Cardamom:
   Add the roasted dry fruits (raisins, almonds, and cashew nuts) into the halwa, and mix well. In a mortar and pestle, crush the cardamom pods and discard the husks. Sprinkle the fresh cardamom powder into the halwa for added fragrance and flavor. Mix everything together.

7. Finish Cooking:
   Keep stirring the halwa as it thickens, and when it starts to pull away from the sides of the kadhai, it’s done! The halwa should have a smooth, thick consistency.

8. Serve and Enjoy:
   Transfer the Pumpkin Halwa to a serving dish. Serve warm as a delightful dessert to your friends and family, especially during festive occasions like Holi.

Tips

• Adjust Sweetness: The sweetness of the halwa can be adjusted according to the natural sweetness of the pumpkin. If your pumpkin is sweeter, reduce the amount of sugar used.
• Optional Garnish: You can garnish the halwa with additional chopped nuts or a drizzle of ghee for extra richness.
• Vegan Option: If you prefer a vegan version, replace the ghee and milk with plant-based alternatives like coconut oil and almond milk.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Pumpkin Halwa is a flavorful and heartwarming dessert that brings the festive spirit to any gathering, offering a blend of textures and flavors that can satisfy both sweet and savory cravings. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a cozy treat at home, this easy-to-make dessert will always be a hit!