MOONG DAL HALWA

Moong dal halwa is an excellent ,popular and rich halwa recipe from North India. It is relished specially in rajasthan during winters because it helps to keep the body warm. This recipe needs time, patience and energy. It is a rich ,creamy and pudding like desert which tastes yum when served hot with a scoop of vanilla ice cream . You can store it refrigerated for several weeks. Just add a little milk before reheating it.

INGREDIENTS:

1 ½ Cup Moong dal [ split yellow lentil ]

1 ¼ Cup Sugar

1 ½ Cup Milk / Water + 1 Tbsp Warm Milk

¾ Cup Clarified Butter

5-6 Saffron Strands

A pinch of Cardamom Powder

Desired Dry Fruits

METHOD:

STEP 1 -  Wash and soak the dal for 5-6 hours. After that drain the water from it completely.

STEP 2 – Now grind it in mixer to a rough paste without using water. Keep it aside.

STEP 3 – Dissolve the saffron strands in 1 tbsp  warm milk.

STEP 4 - Heat the non-stick pan , add  clarified butter to the pan

and after heating it add the paste of dal paste to it and cook it.

STEP 5 – Stir it continuously for approximately 15-20 minutes

and will have a sweet, mild aroma when it is cooked. Assure that no lumps are there.

STEP 6 – Switch off the stove flame and add the warm milk to it.

The mixture will splatter as you add milk , so be careful or cover the pan when it is added.

 Switching off the flame helps to mix the milk well and stop lump formation.Mix it well with the back of the spoon.

Add the saffron strands with the milk.

STEP 7 – Remove the cover, give a nice stir and add the sugar and mix well .

Cook for next 5-7 minutes additional. No lumps should be there.  

 Cover the pan and cook further for 5-6 minutes. Or you can adjust the time according to the consistency you like.

STEP 8 – Turn off the heat and garnish the halwa with the dry fruits.

Serve it to your loved ones.

Halwa tastes best when it is served hot separately or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.