Ashoka Halwa

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.

Ingredients:

• 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Add Mashed Moong Dal: Now, add the mashed moong dal to the wheat flour and stir continuously for about 5 minutes.
5. Incorporate Sugar: Once you notice the mixture starting to stick to the bottom, it's time to add the sugar. Stir well to combine.
6. 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.
7. Add Cardamom Powder: Sprinkle the cardamom powder into the mixture and continue to stir.
8. 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.
9. Add Roasted Cashews and Raisins: To enhance the texture and flavor, add the roasted cashews and raisins into the halwa. Stir them in gently.
10. 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.
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• 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! 😋