Bread Halwa Recipe – A Delicious Mughlai Dessert
Bread Halwa is a delightful dessert that brings together the rich, decadent flavors of clarified butter (ghee), sugar, milk, and aromatic spices. A Mughlai classic, this dish is often made during special occasions and festivals. With its smooth texture and sweet, creamy essence, Bread Halwa makes an ideal way to end a hearty meal or serve as a treat to surprise your guests. This recipe uses simple ingredients that come together to create something truly luxurious.
Ingredients for Bread Halwa
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Brown Bread | 10 slices |
| Sugar (adjustable) | 1 cup |
| Milk (preferably whole milk) | 1-1/2 cups |
| Fresh Cream | 4 tablespoons |
| Ghee (clarified butter) | 1-1/2 tablespoons (adjustable) |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Mixed Dry Fruits | A handful (cashews, almonds, raisins, etc.) |
| Edible Silver Foil/Leaf | 2 sheets (optional, for garnish) |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Carbohydrates | 55g |
| Protein | 8g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 35g |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2
Instructions to Make Bread Halwa
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Prepare the Bread: Begin by soaking the slices of whole wheat brown bread in whole milk for about one minute. Set the soaked bread aside for a moment. This will soften the bread and allow it to absorb the milk, which is key to the dish’s smooth, creamy texture.
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Cook the Bread: Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt the ghee (clarified butter). Once the ghee is hot, add the soaked bread slices along with the ground cardamom powder (elaichi). Stir well to ensure the bread is evenly coated with ghee and cardamom. Cook the bread in ghee until it turns golden brown and crispy on the edges, about 5 minutes. This step adds flavor and texture to the bread, enhancing the richness of the halwa.
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Add Sugar and Cream: Once the bread is light brown, add the sugar and fresh cream to the pan. Stir to combine the ingredients thoroughly. Continue to cook the mixture for about 10 minutes, allowing the sugar to dissolve completely and the cream to thicken slightly. You’ll notice the bread softening and absorbing the creamy syrup, which is what gives Bread Halwa its luscious consistency.
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Roast the Dry Fruits: In a separate small pan, heat the remaining ghee (about 1/2 tablespoon) over low heat. Add a handful of mixed dry fruits—such as cashews, almonds, and raisins—and roast them until golden brown. This adds a wonderful crunch and a toasty flavor to your dish.
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Finish the Halwa: Once the bread mixture has become mushy and creamy, remove it from the heat. Transfer the halwa to a serving dish and top it with the roasted dry fruits. Sprinkle a pinch of cardamom powder on top for added flavor and aroma.
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Garnish and Serve: To give your Bread Halwa an extra touch of elegance, garnish it with edible silver foil (chandi ka vark), if using. You can also add a few extra dry fruits for decoration. Let the halwa cool slightly before serving.
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Serving Suggestion: Bread Halwa is best served hot or warm, making it a perfect dessert to enjoy after a festive meal. It pairs beautifully with traditional dishes like Aloo Matar Sabzi, Ajwain Puri, and Boondi Raita, completing the experience of a well-rounded Mughlai feast.
Tips for Perfect Bread Halwa
- Adjust sweetness: The amount of sugar can be adjusted to suit your preference. If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup.
- Use whole milk for richness: Full-fat milk enhances the richness of this dessert. Avoid using skim or low-fat milk for the best results.
- Customize dry fruits: Feel free to use any combination of dry fruits you prefer. Almonds, walnuts, and pistachios are also great choices.
- Serve warm: For the best texture, serve Bread Halwa while it’s still warm. The creamy and rich flavor will be most pronounced at this temperature.
Why You’ll Love Bread Halwa
This dessert has all the elements of indulgence and comfort. The bread absorbs the milk and ghee, resulting in a soft, pudding-like texture that melts in your mouth. The sugar and cream bring sweetness, while the cardamom powder adds a fragrant and exotic touch. The roasted dry fruits give a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy base.
Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion, a festive gathering, or simply to enjoy a rich dessert, Bread Halwa is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Its simplicity and flavor make it a perfect dish to celebrate any occasion with family and friends.
Enjoy your Bread Halwa, a Mughlai dessert that promises to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth!
