Mango Lassi Recipe
Moong Dal Halwa Recipe: As a passionate home cook and food critic, I am always on the lookout for delicious, traditional recipes that I can add to my repertoire. Moong Dal Halwa is one of my absolute favorites, a creamy, rich dessert that is a staple of Indian cuisine. From the moment I first caught the sweet, nutty aroma wafting from the stove, I knew that I was in for a treat. The moment I took my first bite, I was smitten by its soft, silky texture and the delightful interplay of flavors between the tender moong dal, the warming spices, and the sweet ghee. If you’re looking for a truly indulgent dessert that is sure to impress, Moong Dal Halwa is the way to go.
What is Moong Dal Halwa?
Moong Dal Halwa is a classic Indian dessert that is made from yellow moong dal, ghee, sugar, and a host of warm, aromatic spices. This dish is typically slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in a soft, silky texture that is both comforting and satisfying. The moong dal is simmered until tender, then mixed with ghee, sugar, and spices to create a rich, sweet pudding that is the epitome of indulgence. Whether you’re serving it at a special occasion or simply enjoying a cozy night in with your family, Moong Dal Halwa is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Variations of Moong Dal Halwa
Moong Dal Halwa is a highly versatile dish that can be prepared in a variety of different ways. Here are a few popular variations:
- Carrot Moong Dal Halwa: For a fun twist on the classic recipe, try adding grated carrots to the mixture. The carrots will add a burst of fresh flavor and a pop of vibrant color to the dish.
- Mawa Moong Dal Halwa: Mawa, or dried milk solids, can be added to the halwa for a creamier, more decadent texture.
- Saffron Moong Dal Halwa: For an extra-special touch, add a pinch of saffron to the mixture. The saffron will infuse the halwa with its unique, warm, and slightly bitter flavor, as well as lending a beautiful golden hue to the dish.
- Nuts and Raisins Moong Dal Halwa: For a crunchy, sweet contrast, try adding chopped nuts and raisins to the halwa. Almonds, cashews, and pistachios are all excellent choices.
Nutrition in Moong Dal Halwa
Moong Dal Halwa is a rich and indulgent dessert, and it is definitely not a low-calorie treat. However, the ingredients used in the dish are all wholesome and nourishing, and when enjoyed in moderation, Moong Dal Halwa can be a perfectly acceptable part of a balanced diet. Yellow moong dal is a good source of protein and fiber, while ghee is a healthy, traditional fat that has been used in Indian cuisine for centuries. When made with quality ingredients and enjoyed in moderation, Moong Dal Halwa can be a delicious and satisfying way to end a meal.
Step by Step Moong Dal Halwa Recipe
Moong Dal Halwa Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup green gram lentil / moong dal
- ½ cup ghee / clarified butter
- 1 tsp suji / rava / semolina
- 2 cup milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 5 pcs cashew chopped
- 5 pcs almond / badam chopped
- ½ tsp cardamom powder
- 1 tsp Saffron / Kesar
Instructions
- Firstly, rinse the moong dal and pressure cook it.
- In a large kadai heat ½ cup ghee and add 1 tbsp rava.
- Roast on low flame until the rava turns aromatic. adding rava helps to give good texture to halwa. now add in cooked dal and mix well.
- Keeping the flame on medium, mix until the moong dal absorbs the ghee. continue to cook breaking the lumps. cook until the mixture turns crumble and grainy texture. After 20 minutes, the mixture turns crisp.
- Now add 2 cup milk, few saffron.
- Stir continuously, until the mixture absorbs all the milk. The mixture will start to hold shape leaving the kadai. now add 1 cup sugar and mix well.
- The sugar starts to melt and turns the mixture watery. continue to cook on low flame breaking lumps in between.
- Cook until the mixture starts to separate the ghee and turns golden brown. Take approximately 20 minutes. now add 5 cashew, 5 almond and ½ tsp cardamom powder and mix well.
- Your halwa is ready to serve.
Notes & Tips
- Add sugar according to taste
- I like to experiment with add sugar-free as well !
Nutrition Information (Note: Approximate)
FAQs – Moong Dal Halwa Recipe
What are the ingredients required for Moong Dal Halwa?
Moong Dal Halwa is made with simple ingredients like split yellow moong dal, ghee, sugar, cardamom powder, milk, and dry fruits. The ingredients are easily available in any grocery store and the recipe is budget-friendly. You can use fresh ghee to enhance the taste, or substitute it with oil if needed.
How much time does it take to make Moong Dal Halwa?
The preparation time for Moong Dal Halwa is around 20-25 minutes, whereas cooking time is around 40-45 minutes. So, the total time required to make this dish is around 1 hour. But, the wait is worth it, as the end result is a creamy and delicious dessert that everyone will love.
What are the variations of Moong Dal Halwa?
There are many variations of Moong Dal Halwa, including adding different dry fruits, like almonds, cashews, and raisins. Another variation is to use different sweeteners like jaggery or sugar syrup instead of sugar. You can also add saffron strands to give a rich flavor and yellow color to the halwa.
Is Moong Dal Halwa a healthy dessert option?
Moong Dal Halwa is a nutritious dessert option compared to other sweets. It is high in protein and fiber, and contains a good amount of healthy fats from ghee. The use of jaggery instead of sugar makes it a healthier sweet option.
Can I make Moong Dal Halwa in advance?
Yes, Moong Dal Halwa can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a few days. When you are ready to serve, just warm it up and garnish with your favorite dry fruits. This makes it an ideal dessert option for special occasions or parties.
How to make Moong Dal Halwa vegan?
To make Moong Dal Halwa vegan, you can substitute ghee with oil, and milk with any plant-based milk like almond milk or coconut milk. This will give you a creamy and delicious vegan version of the traditional Moong Dal Halwa.
Can I make Moong Dal Halwa gluten-free?
Yes, Moong Dal Halwa can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free split yellow moong dal. This will make it a perfect dessert option for those who are gluten intolerant or following a gluten-free diet.
What is the serving size of Moong Dal Halwa?
The serving size of Moong Dal Halwa varies based on the serving dish and the appetite of the individual. Generally, a dessert spoon of Moong Dal Halwa is considered one serving, which can be easily served in a small dessert cup.
——————
For more, check out our recipes section or other Articles.
You might also be interested in:
26 Dishes from Maharashtra We All Love
23 Best Indian Soups for Winter
10 Classic South Indian Food Combinations We All Love
Characteristics of Malabar Cuisine
———————————————————————————————————
Foodcazt (www.foodcazt.com) is a Food Magazine. We help you discover food. Benefit from our Recipes, Reviews, Food Guides & Articles. We uncover trends, especially for Indian and Asian Cuisines. Please follow us to learn more. Uncover recipes. Learn about trends. Unearth unique restaurants. Find what moves you. Discover what inspires others. We uncover trends, especially for Indian Cuisine and Asian Cuisine.
It would mean the world to us, if you follow, like or subscribe on: YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.