5 quick halwa recipes that are ultimate Indian desserts

Halwa is a popular Indian dessert. It is a rich and comforting Indian sweet made with simple ingredients like flour, lentils, semolina, nuts, or vegetables, it is slow-cooked with ghee, sugar, and milk to achieve a soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture. The aroma of cardamom and saffron enhances its flavor, making it a festive favorite for celebrations, weddings, and religious occasions. Halwa is also a festive delight and is mostly served warm with a garnishing of roasted nuts. Interestingly, halwa is made in ghee, a staple in traditional Indian cooking, and is a powerhouse of nutrients and health benefits. Rich in healthy fats, omega-3 fatty acids, and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), it supports brain function, boosts immunity, and enhances digestion. Ghee is a natural energy booster, and it also nourishes the skin, strengthens hair, and aids in weight management by promoting fat metabolism. Take a look at the 5 quick halwa recipes that one can try at home that make for ultimate Indian desserts.

Sooji halwa is one of the most popular Indian halwas and as the name suggests, it is made with sooji (semolina). To make this halwa, heat 1/2 cup ghee in a pan, add 1 cup sooji, and roast until golden brown. In a separate pan, heat 2 cups of milk/water and 1/2 cup sugar until dissolved. Slowly add the liquid to the roasted sooji, stirring continuously. Cook until thick, then add 1/2 tsp cardamom powder and mix well.Garnish with nuts and serve warm!

This halwa is made with atta (wheat flour). And to make this, heat 1 cup of ghee in a kadhai. To this, add 1/2 cup atta and roast it until aromatic and golden. In a saucepan, heat 1 cup water and add 1/2 cup sugar to make a sugar syrup. Add it to the atta and cook until you get the desired consistency of halwa. Top it with 1/2 tsp cardamom powder and 2 tbsp of roasted cashews and almonds.

This halwa has a velvety texture that comes when you roast gram flour or besan in ghee. It is important to make sure that the quantity of ghee is right to get the flavours on point. For this, heat 1/2 cup ghee in a heavy-bottom pan, and add 1 cup besan, and roast until golden brown and aromatic. In a saucepan, boil 1 cup of milk or water, and add 1/2 cup sugar and boil it until sugar dissolves. Slowly add the sugar syrup to the besan while stirring. Cook until the mixture thickens. Next, add 1 tsp cardamom powder and 2 tbsp roasted nuts (walnut and almond). Serve warm!

This is a nutrient-rich halwa and is made with almond flour. To make this halwa, you need to heat 3 tbsp of ghee in a pan and add ½ cup almond flour and roast it for 10-12 minutes. Add milk and stir continuously to avoid lumps. Next, add 1/2 cup sugar and cook until the mixture thickens. Next, sitr in 1/2 tsp cardamom powder and a pinch of saffron. Garnish with 2 tbsp of roasted nuts and serve warm!

This is a very enriching and flavourful halwa and is made with soaked moong dal. To make this, simply soak 1 cup moong dal for 3-5 hours. Next, drain the water and grind it into a coarse paste without adding too much water. Heat 3/4 cup of ghee in a pan and roast the moong dal paste.Stir continuously until it turns golden brown and gives a nutty aroma (takes about 15-20 minutes). Next, add 2 cups of milk or water and slowly stir. Next, add 1 cup sugar and mix well until it dissolves. Cook until the halwa thickens. Top it with 1/2 tsp cardamom powder, a pinch of saffron, and 2 tbsp chopped nuts. Serve warm.

(All Images Courtesy: istock)