Besan Halwa Recipe
Besan Halwa Recipe: As a housewife and a food critic, I have always been a big fan of sweet dishes. And Besan Halwa is one of my all-time favorite desserts. The mere aroma of this dish wafting from the kitchen is enough to make my mouth water. The nutty fragrance of roasted besan (gram flour) combined with ghee (clarified butter) and sugar, creates an irresistible scent that is sure to make you crave for a bite.
Besan Halwa is a traditional sweet dish that is popular in India, Pakistan, and other South Asian countries. It is a rich and creamy dessert that is made by slow-cooking besan, ghee, sugar, and water, until it thickens and forms a halwa-like consistency. The dish is often flavored with cardamom, nutmeg, or other spices, and is garnished with slivered almonds, pistachios, or other nuts.
What is Besan Halwa?
Besan Halwa is a sweet, pudding-like dessert that is made by slow-cooking besan, ghee, sugar, and water, until it thickens and becomes a dense, creamy consistency. The dish is traditionally flavored with cardamom and nutmeg, and is garnished with slivered almonds, pistachios, or other nuts. It is a rich and indulgent dessert that is perfect for special occasions or for satisfying a sweet tooth.
Variations of Besan Halwa Recipe
There are several variations of Besan Halwa, each with its unique taste and flavor. Some popular variations of the dish include:
- Kesar Besan Halwa: This variation is flavored with saffron, which imparts a unique flavor and aroma to the dish.
- Badam Besan Halwa: This variation is made with almonds, which add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the halwa.
- Moong Dal Besan Halwa: This variation uses moong dal (split yellow lentils) in addition to besan, which makes the halwa even more rich and creamy.
- Chocolate Besan Halwa: This variation uses cocoa powder and chocolate chips to create a rich, chocolatey dessert that is perfect for chocolate lovers.
Nutrition in Besan Halwa
Besan Halwa is a rich and indulgent dessert that is high in calories and carbohydrates. A 100g serving of the dish contains approximately 300-400 calories, which is primarily derived from the ghee, sugar, and besan. The dish is also high in fat and protein, and is a good source of essential minerals like iron and calcium. However, it is not recommended for individuals who are watching their calorie intake or are following a low-fat diet.
Despite its high calorie content, Besan Halwa is a traditional dessert that is enjoyed by many people for its rich, creamy texture and nutty flavor. It is best enjoyed in moderation, as a special treat or for special occasions.
Step by Step Besan Halwa Recipe
Besan Halwa Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup Besan / Gram flour
- ¼ cup ghee / clarified butter
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ¼ tsp cardamom powder
- dry fruits
Instructions
Preparation
- Assemble all ingredients together to avoid last minute rush.
- Roughly chop dry fruits of your choice.
Cooking
- Heat milk in a thick bottomed Pan till it comes to a boil.
- Simultaneously, on another side of stove, heat ghee in a Kadai over medium flame. Once the ghee melts, then lower the heat.
- Add besan and mix very well with the ghee. Keep on stirring continuously for 15-18 minutes, so that the besan is evenly roasted.
- On the other hand, if milk gets boiled, switch off the flame and cover the Pan.
- In Kadai, soon the gram four / besan will start releasing ghee.
- Now, pour half of the milk from the Pan and stirring continuously so that no lumps will be formed.
- Then pour the remaining quantity of milk. Continue to mix and stir the mixture for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add ⅓ cup of sugar. The amount of sugar can be adjusted as per your taste preferences.
- Keep continuously stirring for 5 to 6 mins on a low flame, so that no lumps are formed and mixture gets evenly mixed.
- Soon the mixture will start thickening, stirring continuously.
- Now, add cardamom powder and half quantity of chopped dry fruits. Continue to stir and mix well.
- You will see some ghee separating from the halwa at the sides. The halwa will also start leaving the edges of the pan and will appear smooth and glossy.
- Switch off the heat. Besan Halwa will thicken as it cools down.
- Garnish remaining chopped dry fruits on top of the Halwa and serve hot or warm.
- If you want, you can also garnish Besan Halwa with saffron strands.
Equipment Used for This Recipe
Notes & Tips
- Storage: Refrigerate any leftovers. While serving, warm the Halwa in a Pan or Microwave it for 2-3 minutes so that the ghee melts as on refrigeration it solidifies. It keeps well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
- Dry fruits: Feel free to choose any unsalted dry fruits of your choice.
- Roasting: This is a key step, so roast besan on low flame and do not hurry up this step. For a good smooth Halwa, even roasting is very important.
- Sweetness: You can add sugar as per your taste preferences. Or you can optionally choose brown sugar or jaggery as well.
- Milk or Water? You could add water also in place of milk but for a creamy rich texture, I recommend to use milk.
- Ingredients & Equipment: Find these Ingredients & Equipment at specialty food stores or online stores. For review of some stores, please refer to the Grocery Review Section on our Website.
Nutrition Information (Note: Approximate)
FAQs – Besan Halwa Recipe
What is Besan Halwa and what are its key ingredients?
Besan Halwa is a sweet, creamy and rich dessert made with besan or gram flour, ghee, sugar, water, and flavorings like cardamom, saffron, or kewra. It is a traditional Indian sweet that is typically enjoyed during festivals and special occasions. The use of gram flour gives it a unique texture and nutty flavor.
What are the variations of Besan Halwa recipe?
Besan Halwa recipe can be customized in several ways, including:
- Kesar Besan Halwa: A variation that uses saffron for flavor and color.
- Mawa Besan Halwa: Made with a mixture of mawa (evaporated milk solids) and besan, this version is creamier and richer in flavor.
- Dry Fruit Besan Halwa: Nuts and dried fruits like almonds, cashews, and raisins are added to the halwa for extra crunch and flavor.
- Coconut Besan Halwa: Grated coconut is added to the halwa for a tropical twist.
- Chocolate Besan Halwa: Cocoa powder or melted chocolate is added to the halwa for a chocolaty flavor.
What is the cooking time for Besan Halwa recipe?
Besan Halwa takes anywhere between 30-45 minutes to cook on medium heat. It is important to cook it slowly and continuously stir to avoid burning. The final consistency should be that of a soft and creamy pudding.
Is Besan Halwa a vegan-friendly dessert?
Besan Halwa is not vegan-friendly as it uses ghee (clarified butter), which is a dairy product. If you are looking for a vegan version, you can use vegan butter or coconut oil as a substitute for ghee.
What are the key nutritional values of Besan Halwa?
Besan Halwa is a high-calorie dessert as it is made with a lot of ghee, sugar, and gram flour. This can vary, but, a 100-gram serving of Besan Halwa can contain approximately 400-450 calories. It is also high in carbohydrates and saturated fats. However, it also contains protein, fiber, and a small amount of vitamins and minerals like iron, phosphorus, and magnesium.
How to store Besan Halwa for later use?
Besan Halwa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Before serving, warm it in a pan or microwave for a few seconds to bring it to the desired temperature.
See Also:
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