Gehun Ka Halwa (Atte Ka Halwa) | Kada Prasad Recipe: A Divine Indian Dessert for Special Occasions
Gehun Ka Halwa, also known as Atte Ka Halwa or Kada Prasad, is a beloved and aromatic North Indian dessert made from whole wheat flour. This indulgent pudding, flavored with traditional Indian spices like cardamom, and enriched with ghee and nuts, is often prepared as a sacred offering during religious festivals and special occasions, particularly in Gurdwaras (Sikh temples). The soft, velvety texture and warm, earthy taste make this dessert a crowd-pleaser, perfect for serving during family gatherings, religious celebrations, or festive dinners.
In this recipe, we bring you the traditional method of preparing Kada Prasad—a wholesome, comforting dessert with a melt-in-your-mouth quality. Whether it’s for a festive occasion or just a special treat for your loved ones, this simple yet flavorful dish is sure to warm hearts and bring a smile to everyone’s face.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Flour | 1 cup |
| Sugar | 1 cup |
| Ghee (Clarified Butter) | 1 cup |
| Water | 2-1/2 cups |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | 1 teaspoon (optional) |
| Cashew Nuts (optional) | 1/4 cup (halved) |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300-350 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 35-40g |
| Protein | 4-6g |
| Fat | 15-18g |
| Fiber | 2-3g |
| Sugar | 20-25g |
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Sugar Water
To begin, heat the water and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously to ensure the sugar dissolves completely in the water. Once the sugar has dissolved, reduce the heat to low and allow the sugar-water mixture to stay warm while you prepare the wheat flour mixture.
Step 2: Roast the Wheat Flour
Next, heat a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add 1 cup of ghee and let it melt. Once melted, stir in the whole wheat flour. Begin roasting the mixture, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning. Continue roasting for about 5-8 minutes, until the flour turns golden brown and gives off a delightful roasted aroma. Be sure to maintain medium heat to avoid burning the flour.
Step 3: Add Cardamom Powder
As the wheat flour begins to release its fragrance, add the freshly ground cardamom powder (optional, but recommended for an authentic taste). Stir well to incorporate the spices into the flour mixture.
Step 4: Incorporate Sugar Water
Now, gradually pour the warm sugar-water mixture into the roasted wheat flour, stirring continuously. As you add the sugar water, the mixture will likely split and curdle slightly. Don’t worry—this is normal. Keep stirring gently, ensuring that the wheat flour absorbs the liquid evenly.
Step 5: Cook the Halwa
Continue to stir the mixture over medium heat for 10-15 minutes. As it cooks, the mixture will begin to thicken and take on a crumbly, coarse texture. Stir constantly to prevent burning and ensure that the mixture cooks evenly. You’ll know the halwa is ready when it begins to pull away from the sides of the pan, and you can see a slight sheen on the surface.
Step 6: Rest the Halwa
Once the halwa has thickened to the desired consistency, turn off the heat. Cover the pan and allow the halwa to rest for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors to meld together and enhances the richness of the dish.
Step 7: Roast the Cashews
While the halwa is resting, heat a small tadka pan or a separate small frying pan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of ghee and allow it to melt. Once melted, add the cashew nuts and roast them until they turn golden brown. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes, so keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 8: Final Touch
Once the cashews are golden, remove the tadka pan from the heat and stir the roasted cashews into the prepared Gehun Ka Halwa. Give the halwa a final stir to incorporate the nuts and ghee evenly into the mixture.
Serving Suggestions:
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Serve Warm: Gehun Ka Halwa is best enjoyed when served warm. Spoon a generous portion into bowls and serve it as a comforting dessert after a festive meal or a family gathering.
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Festivals & Special Occasions: This recipe is especially popular during Guru Nanak Jayanti, Baisakhi, or Diwali in many Punjabi households, and is also served as Kada Prasad in Gurdwaras. It can be made as an offering during religious ceremonies or just as a sweet treat to enjoy with loved ones.
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Accompaniments: If you’re serving this halwa as part of a festive meal, consider pairing it with chapatis or naan for a complete experience. You can also serve it alongside chilled lassi or sweet yogurt to balance out the warmth of the dish.
Tips for the Perfect Gehun Ka Halwa:
- Ghee Quality: The key to this dish is the quality of ghee. Fresh, homemade ghee will provide the best flavor and richness to the halwa.
- Roasting the Flour: Be patient while roasting the wheat flour. It should be roasted until golden brown to achieve the perfect flavor and texture.
- Consistency: The halwa should be thick and crumbly, not sticky or gooey. If you prefer a softer texture, you can add a little more water, but avoid making it too runny.
- Cardamom Variations: For an extra flavor boost, you can also add a few strands of saffron or a dash of nutmeg powder to enhance the fragrance and taste.
- Nuts: Cashews are traditional, but you can also try adding almonds or pistachios for added texture and flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Wholesome and Nutritious: Packed with the goodness of whole wheat flour, ghee, and nuts, this halwa is a delightful treat that’s both filling and satisfying.
- Festive Spirit: Whether you’re preparing it for a religious occasion or a family dinner, Kada Prasad has a way of elevating any meal and making it feel like a celebration.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness level or nut variety to suit your taste, making it a versatile dessert.
Gehun Ka Halwa (Atte Ka Halwa) or Kada Prasad is more than just a dessert; it’s a piece of tradition, comfort, and celebration in every bite. With its rich flavors and texture, this simple yet indulgent dish will surely become a favorite in your home, whether for festive feasts or quiet evenings with loved ones. Enjoy the process, savor the result, and share this heartwarming dessert with the ones you cherish!
