Aloo Ka Halwa (Grated Potato Sweet)
Delicious Grated Potato Halwa from Karnataka, perfect for festive occasions!
Description:
Aloo Ka Halwa, also known as Grated Potato Halwa, is a delightful and aromatic Indian dessert that stands out for its simplicity and taste. This easy-to-make dessert combines grated potatoes with ghee, sugar, and a medley of dry fruits, resulting in a rich, sweet, and fragrant treat. It’s often prepared during festive seasons or special occasions and can also be enjoyed as a weekend dessert after a hearty meal. The addition of saffron adds a lovely color and aroma, making it perfect for any celebration.
Cuisine:
Karnataka, Indian
Course:
Dessert
Diet:
Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potato (Aloo), grated | 2 cups |
| Sugar | 1 cup |
| Saffron strands | 12 strands |
| Ghee | 2 tablespoons |
| Dry fruits (cashew, raisins, almonds), chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Lemon juice | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 pinch |
| Water | As required |
Nutritional Information
(Per serving – Approximation based on standard serving sizes)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 36 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 18 g |
| Sodium | 50 mg |
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4-5
Instructions
1. Grate the Potato:
Begin by grating the potatoes using a box grater or a food processor. As you grate the potato, immediately add it to a large bowl of water to prevent browning. The water keeps the grated potatoes fresh and vibrant.
2. Soak the Saffron:
In a small bowl, soak the saffron strands in a little warm water. Allow them to soak for at least 15 minutes to release their color and aroma.
3. Fry the Dry Fruits:
Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee in a thick-bottomed kadai or pan. Once the ghee is hot, add the chopped dry fruits (cashews, raisins, and almonds). Fry them on medium heat until they turn golden brown. Remove them from the pan and set them aside.
4. Cook the Grated Potato:
In the same pan, add the soaked grated potato along with some water to fully submerge the potato. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. Cover the pan and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the potato is about 3/4th cooked. The water should reduce during this process, leaving the potato softened and ready for the next step.
5. Drain the Potato:
Once the potato is cooked, drain any remaining water. Transfer the potato back into the pan.
6. Add Sugar and Saffron:
Add the sugar to the cooked potatoes and mix thoroughly. Stir in the soaked saffron along with the water it was soaking in. Continue stirring until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture forms a thick syrup-like consistency.
7. Fry the Dry Fruits in Ghee:
Add the previously fried dry fruits into the halwa mixture along with the remaining ghee. Stir everything together, allowing the ghee to coat the potato mixture and the dry fruits evenly.
8. Simmer and Thicken:
Cook the halwa on medium heat for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency.
9. Add Lemon Juice:
Once the halwa has thickened, remove it from the heat. Add a teaspoon of lemon juice and give it a good mix. The lemon juice helps balance the sweetness and adds a touch of freshness to the dish.
10. Serve:
Aloo Ka Halwa can be served hot or warm. Top it with extra chopped nuts if desired, or for an indulgent treat, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Serving Suggestions:
Aloo Ka Halwa is a perfect dessert to serve at the end of a festive Indian meal. It pairs wonderfully with savory dishes like:
- Bhaji Vada – Crispy potato fritters
- Aloo Tamatari – Spicy potato curry
- Jeera Rice (Pulao) – Fragrant cumin-flavored rice
- Whole Wheat Lachha Paratha – Soft, layered whole wheat flatbread
Tips and Variations:
- Variation with Milk: If you prefer a creamier version, you can add a little milk along with water while cooking the grated potatoes.
- More Dry Fruits: You can customize the dry fruits based on your preference. Try adding pistachios, walnuts, or even some coconut flakes for extra flavor.
- Sweetener Alternatives: If you want a healthier version, substitute sugar with jaggery or coconut sugar.
Conclusion:
Aloo Ka Halwa is a beloved dessert from Karnataka, rich with the goodness of potatoes, ghee, and dry fruits. Its ease of preparation and delightful taste make it an ideal choice for any celebration or special occasion. The fragrant saffron, along with the sweetness of sugar and richness from ghee, create a luxurious treat that will leave everyone craving more. Enjoy this indulgent dessert warm, topped with your favorite nuts or a scoop of ice cream, and let it become a cherished part of your culinary repertoire.
