Ashoka Halwa is a delectable Indian dessert that's known for its rich, aromatic, and melt-in-your-mouth goodness. This sweet treat, often enjoyed during festive occasions, is made from moong dal (split green gram), ghee (clarified butter), and a hint of cardamom. The result is a sweet dish that's both creamy and fragrant. In this blog post, we'll walk you through the process of making this delightful Ashoka Halwa at home.
- 1 cup of moong dal
- Ghee (clarified butter)
- A handful of cashews and raisins
- 1/2 cup of wheat flour
- 1 cup of sugar
- A pinch of cardamom powder
- A few saffron strands (optional, for natural coloring)
- A mix of nuts like pistachios, almonds, and cucumber seeds (optional)
- Edible camphor (optional, for a delightful aroma)
Method:
- Prepare the Moong Dal: Start by pressure cooking the moong dal with the required amount of water until it's fully cooked and easily mashable. Once done, mash the dal completely and set it aside.
- Roast Cashews and Raisins: In a non-stick or thick-bottomed vessel, add 2 tsp of ghee and roast the cashews and raisins until they turn golden. Set them aside for later use.
- Toast the Wheat Flour: In the same pan, add half of the ghee and add the wheat flour. Fry it until a pleasant aroma of roasted wheat emanates.
- Add Mashed Moong Dal: Now, add the mashed moong dal to the wheat flour and stir continuously for about 5 minutes.
- Incorporate Sugar: Once you notice the mixture starting to stick to the bottom, it's time to add the sugar. Stir well to combine.
- Gradually Add Ghee: After adding sugar, gradually add the remaining ghee little by little into the pan. This will enrich the halwa and give it a glossy appearance.
- Add Cardamom Powder: Sprinkle the cardamom powder into the mixture and continue to stir.
- Cook Until It Leaves the Sides: You'll notice the Ashoka Halwa starting to leave the sides of the pan, and the ghee will begin to shine out on the top layer. This indicates that it's almost ready.
- Add Roasted Cashews and Raisins: To enhance the texture and flavor, add the roasted cashews and raisins into the halwa. Stir them in gently.
- Final Touch: Your delightful Ashoka Halwa is now ready to be served. This sweet and aromatic dessert is sure to please your taste buds.
Additional Notes:
- If you'd like to add some colour to your Ashoka Halwa, you can use food colouring or opt for a natural touch by soaking saffron strands in hot water and adding them to the halwa.
- For a unique twist, consider adding a pinch of edible camphor, which will impart a delightful aroma to your Ashoka Halwa.
Ashoka Halwa is a dessert that brings joy to special occasions, and now you can recreate its magic in your own kitchen. With these step-by-step instructions, you'll be able to whip up a batch of this mouthwatering treat and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. Enjoy your homemade Ashoka Halwa, and don't be surprised if it becomes a household favorite! 😋
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