Besan Halwa Recipe: A Sweet North Indian Delight
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Dessert
Diet: Vegetarian
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 |
| Almonds (badam), chopped/sliced | 1 tablespoon |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~250 kcal |
| Protein | ~5 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~28 g |
| Fat | ~15 g |
| Fiber | ~2 g |
| Sugar | ~15 g |
(Note: The nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
Instructions
Besan Halwa, a beloved North Indian dessert, is a simple yet decadent sweet dish that uses gram flour (besan) as its main ingredient, paired with ghee, sugar, and cardamom. Its rich flavor and smooth texture make it a perfect ending to any Indian meal. Here’s how to prepare it:
Step 1: Roast the Besan (Gram Flour)
- Heat the Ghee: Begin by heating a heavy-bottomed pan on medium heat. Add 1/2 cup of ghee and let it melt completely.
- Roast the Besan: Once the ghee is melted, add 1 cup of besan (gram flour) to the pan. Stir the mixture constantly to ensure the besan roasts evenly.
- Continue Roasting: Roast the besan for about 5 minutes, or until it starts releasing a delicious roasted aroma and takes on a golden-brown color. As you roast, the texture will change to resemble coarse crumbles. Keep stirring continuously to avoid burning the besan.
Step 2: Prepare the Sugar Syrup
- Boil Water and Sugar: While the besan is roasting, take another saucepan and add 2-1/2 cups of water and 1/2 cup of sugar. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Add Cardamom: Once the water and sugar start boiling, stir in 1 teaspoon of cardamom powder (elaichi) for that aromatic, warm flavor.
Step 3: Combine the Syrup with the Besan
- Slowly Add the Syrup: Once the sugar syrup is boiling, carefully add it to the roasted besan mixture, stirring continuously. Initially, the besan will begin to curdle and separate.
- Continue Stirring: Don’t worry as the besan mixture might look slightly lumpy at first. Keep stirring as the mixture will gradually thicken and smooth out. Continue to cook for about 5-10 minutes over medium heat, ensuring that the halwa thickens but does not turn into a solid lump. It should have a smooth, slightly coarse texture.
Step 4: Final Touches
- Add Almonds: Once the halwa thickens and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan, turn off the heat. Add 1 tablespoon of chopped or sliced almonds (badam) into the halwa for extra flavor and crunch.
- Serve: Stir the almonds in, and your Besan Halwa is ready to be served. For the best experience, enjoy it warm and serve it after a hearty meal of Dal Makhani, Paneer Butter Masala, Garlic Naan, and Jeera Rice.
Tips and Variations
- For a richer taste, you can increase the amount of ghee slightly. This will give the halwa a more decadent, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Dry fruits variation: If you prefer, you can substitute almonds with other dry fruits such as cashews, pistachios, or raisins for a variation in flavor and texture.
- Vegan alternative: For a vegan version of Besan Halwa, you can replace ghee with coconut oil or any other plant-based butter.
- Flavoring variations: Some people like to add a pinch of saffron or rose water for an aromatic twist to this traditional recipe.
Why You’ll Love Besan Halwa
Besan Halwa is more than just a dessert – it’s a comforting dish with an irresistible combination of rich, nutty, and spiced flavors. The besan gives the halwa a smooth texture while the ghee infuses it with a delicious depth of flavor. The sweetness is perfectly balanced with the warmth of cardamom, making it an ideal treat for any occasion.
Whether you’re preparing it for a festive celebration or as a weekend indulgence, Besan Halwa is sure to be a hit at your dining table. Serve it warm with a side of traditional Indian flatbreads or enjoy it by itself for a sweet end to your meal.
Perfect Pairings
- Dal Makhani
- Paneer Butter Masala
- Garlic Naan
- Jeera Rice
Enjoy your indulgent, homemade Besan Halwa, and don’t forget to share with your loved ones!
