Akhrot Ka Sheera (Walnut Halwa) Recipe
Akhrot Ka Sheera, also known as Walnut Halwa, is a delicious and hearty dessert from North India that is particularly enjoyed during the winter months. Its rich, nutty flavor and warm consistency make it an ideal treat for cold weather. This dessert is often prepared for festivals like Holi and Diwali and is also considered a traditional dish for weddings. The combination of walnuts, jaggery, and milk not only creates a mouth-watering indulgence but is also believed to help keep the body warm during chilly days.
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Dessert
Diet: Vegetarian
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Walnuts (coarsely powdered) | 2 cups |
| Walnuts (chopped) | 1/4 cup |
| Milk | 3/4 cup |
| Jaggery | 3/4 cup |
| Ghee | 1/4 cup |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | 1 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 230 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 10 g |
| Sodium | 20 mg |
Instructions:
-
Roast the Walnuts:
Begin by heating a pan on medium heat. Add the chopped walnuts and roast them until they become fragrant and slightly browned. This should take about 4-5 minutes. Once done, turn off the heat and set the walnuts aside. -
Prepare the Milk Mixture:
In a separate saucepan, pour the milk and bring it to a gentle boil. Add the saffron strands (if using), cardamom powder, and jaggery to the milk. Stir well and let it simmer on low heat while you proceed with roasting the walnut powder. -
Roast the Walnut Powder:
In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat the ghee on medium heat. Add the coarsely powdered walnuts and roast them, stirring continuously. Continue roasting the walnut powder until you can smell a rich, roasted aroma, and the color deepens to a golden-brown. This process should take about 8-10 minutes. -
Combine Milk and Walnut Powder:
Once the walnut powder is roasted, carefully pour the milk mixture into the pan with the roasted walnuts. Be cautious as the mixture might splatter. Keep stirring continuously to avoid lumps. The halwa will begin to thicken and the liquid will slowly absorb into the walnut powder. Stir until the mixture leaves the sides of the pan and has a pudding-like consistency. This can take around 15-20 minutes. -
Add Chopped Walnuts:
When the mixture reaches the desired consistency, add the chopped walnuts and mix well. Stir everything together to combine the chopped walnuts into the halwa. At this point, turn off the heat. -
Cool and Serve:
The Akhrot Ka Sheera should not be too thick while cooking, as it will naturally thicken as it cools. You can serve it warm directly or let it cool in a square dish. If you choose to use a dish, you can cut the cooled halwa into squares for easy serving. -
Serving Suggestions:
Serve Akhrot Ka Sheera as a delicious dessert after a hearty meal. It pairs wonderfully with dishes like Dal Tadka, Phulka, and Kadai Paneer. It is also a perfect sweet treat for festive occasions like Holi or Diwali.
Tips:
- Vegan Version: You can replace the ghee with coconut oil for a vegan-friendly version of this dessert.
- Saffron Infusion: If you prefer a more aromatic version, steep the saffron strands in a tablespoon of warm milk for 5 minutes before adding it to the main milk mixture.
- Consistency: If you prefer a thicker halwa, you can let it cook for a few extra minutes after the milk has been absorbed.
This rich and flavorful Akhrot Ka Sheera is bound to be a hit with anyone who loves traditional Indian sweets. Perfect for the festive season or as a warming treat during the colder months!
