Beetroot Halva: A Sweet Indian Delight
Description:
A cherished recipe from my soon-to-be sister-in-law’s family, this Beetroot Halva is a delightful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of beetroot with the rich, creamy texture of milk. Infused with green cardamoms, this treat is enhanced with a garnish of crunchy poppy seeds and slivered pistachios. Roasting the poppy seeds slightly will give them a delightful crispiness, making the dish even more enjoyable. Perfect for a special occasion or a sweet indulgence!
Category: Dessert
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Keywords: Vegetable, Asian, Indian, Under 4 Hours
Ingredients:
- 1 large beetroot, peeled and grated
- 1 liter milk
- 10 green cardamom pods, crushed
- 180 grams sugar
- 4 tablespoons clarified butter (ghee)
- 1/2 cup poppy seeds (slightly roasted for extra crunch)
- 1/2 cup slivered pistachios
- 2 tablespoons slivered almonds
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Milk Base: Begin by heating the milk in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon to prevent the milk from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Bring the milk to a slow boil, allowing it to reduce slightly.
-
Cook the Beetroot: Once the milk reaches a gentle boil, add the grated beetroot and crushed green cardamoms. Continue cooking over medium heat for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is to let the milk reduce and almost evaporate, leaving behind a creamy mixture.
-
Add Sugar: Stir in the sugar, ensuring it dissolves completely into the mixture. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sugar is fully incorporated and the mixture starts to thicken.
-
Incorporate Clarified Butter: Add the clarified butter (ghee) to the mixture. Stir well and cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the beetroot begins to caramelize and the mixture achieves a pudding-like consistency.
-
Final Touches: Reduce the heat and allow the halva to cook for an extra 3 to 4 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
-
Garnish and Serve: Transfer the halva to serving dishes. Garnish with a sprinkle of roasted poppy seeds, slivered almonds, and slivered pistachios. Serve at room temperature and enjoy the rich, sweet flavors of this traditional Indian dessert.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 509
- Fat Content: 26.2 grams
- Saturated Fat Content: 10 grams
- Cholesterol Content: 44.5 milligrams
- Sodium Content: 253.6 milligrams
- Carbohydrate Content: 60.4 grams
- Fiber Content: 6 grams
- Sugar Content: 45 grams
- Protein Content: 13.7 grams
This Beetroot Halva makes a memorable dessert, rich in flavors and textures that are sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy! 🌟🍮
