Goan Style Banana Halwa (Kelyacho Halwo)
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Goan
Diet: Vegetarian
Introduction
The Goan Style Banana Halwa, also known as Kelyacho Halwo, is a delicious, comforting dessert with a distinct Goan flavor. Made with the unique Nendra bananas, which are also called Kerala bananas, this recipe has been cherished in Goan households for generations. The banana’s natural sweetness and texture combine beautifully with ghee, cardamom, and cloves to create a sweet treat that is rich in flavor and quick to prepare.
This traditional dessert comes together in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a spontaneous sweet craving or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. The halwa thickens as it cools, making it a perfect dish to serve after a hearty meal or as a light snack during the day.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ripe Bananas (Nendra variety) | 3 Bananas, sliced into rounds |
| Sugar | 9-10 teaspoons |
| Ghee | 3 tablespoons |
| Cloves (Laung) | 4 whole cloves |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | 1 teaspoon |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Instructions
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Prepare the Bananas: Start by peeling the ripe bananas and slicing them into thin, even rounds. It’s important to use the Nendra bananas for their rich flavor and texture, though other varieties can be used as alternatives.
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Heat the Ghee: In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat 3 tablespoons of ghee over medium heat. Once the ghee melts and becomes hot, add the sliced bananas to the pan. Stir fry the bananas for a few seconds, allowing them to release a pleasant aroma as they soak up the ghee.
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Add the Liquid Ingredients: Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water to the bananas along with the sugar and whole cloves. Stir well, ensuring the bananas are evenly coated with the sugar mixture. Lower the heat and cook the bananas gently. Stir occasionally and let the mixture cook until the liquid begins to thicken.
-
Cook the Halwa: Continue cooking the banana mixture on low heat until it reaches a halwa-like consistency. You can test this by lifting the mixture with a spoon—when it falls, it should drop in thick drops rather than a steady stream.
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Add Cardamom: Once the halwa has thickened, sprinkle in the cardamom powder and give it a final stir. The aroma of cardamom will blend beautifully with the richness of the ghee and bananas.
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Cool and Serve: Turn off the heat and allow the Kelyacho Halwo to cool down for a few minutes. As it cools, the texture will continue to firm up. Serve it warm or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
This Goan Style Banana Halwa is best enjoyed as a quick and satisfying dessert. It pairs wonderfully after a Sunday brunch or a light meal. The halwa also makes for a great anytime sweet snack when you’re craving something indulgent yet simple.
Tip: For an added touch of texture and flavor, you can garnish the halwa with a sprinkle of roasted nuts or a drizzle of condensed milk.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Since this recipe uses minimal ingredients and is based on bananas, it’s a relatively healthy dessert option, though it’s rich due to the ghee and sugar content. Here’s a general estimate:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~150-200 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | ~30-35 g |
| Sugars | ~20-25 g |
| Fats | ~6-8 g |
| Protein | ~1 g |
| Fiber | ~3 g |
(Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredient sizes and specific brands used.)
Enjoy the rich, comforting taste of Goan Kelyacho Halwo, a dessert that brings a taste of Goan tradition into your kitchen in no time at all. Whether served at the end of a meal or as a sweet treat, it’s sure to leave everyone asking for more!
