Besan ka halwa is a delightful and aromatic Indian dessert made primarily from besan (gram flour), which is roasted to perfection and cooked with ghee, sugar, and water or milk. This rich, nutty-flavored halwa is a staple at Indian festivities, religious ceremonies, and family gatherings, cherished for its comforting warmth and melt-in-the-mouth texture.
Unlike other Indian sweets, besan ka halwa is relatively quick to prepare, making it a perfect choice for those spontaneous sweet cravings or last-minute celebrations.
What makes this halwa special is the deep roasting of the besan which imparts a unique aroma and taste, combined with the richness of ghee and the sweetness of cardamom-scented sugar syrup. It is not only delicious but also vegetarian and gluten-free, making it accessible to many dietary preferences.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe will guide you through creating an authentic, restaurant-style besan ka halwa in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe for besan ka halwa stands out for its simplicity and authenticity. Using minimal ingredients that are easy to find, it delivers maximum flavor and texture.
The slow roasting of besan ensures a deep, roasted flavor that no shortcut can substitute.
You’ll appreciate how adaptable this recipe is—perfect for vegans when using plant-based alternatives, and flexible enough to adjust sweetness or richness according to your taste. Plus, it’s a wholesome dessert made from protein-rich gram flour, making it a slightly healthier option compared to many sugar-laden sweets.
Finally, this halwa can be prepared quickly, with step-by-step instructions that make the process enjoyable and stress-free, even for novice cooks.
Ingredients
- 1 cup besan (gram flour)
- 3/4 cup ghee (clarified butter)
- 1 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 10-12 cashew nuts
- 10-12 raisins
- Optional: Saffron strands or chopped almonds for garnish
Equipment
- Heavy-bottomed pan or kadhai
- Wooden spatula or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl for soaking saffron (if using)
- Serving bowl or plate
Instructions
- Prepare the sugar syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the 1 cup sugar and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil and stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Keep the syrup warm on low heat.
- Roast the besan: Heat the 3/4 cup ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Once the ghee melts, add the besan gradually, stirring continuously with a wooden spatula to avoid lumps.
- Keep roasting the besan on low to medium heat. This step is crucial — roast until the besan turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma, about 12-15 minutes. Stir constantly to prevent burning.
- Add nuts and raisins: In the last few minutes of roasting, add the cashew nuts and raisins to the besan and ghee mixture. These will toast and enhance the texture and flavor.
- Incorporate the sugar syrup: Carefully pour the warm sugar syrup into the roasted besan mixture. Be cautious as it may splatter. Mix well to combine and cook for another 5-7 minutes on low heat until the halwa thickens.
- Add flavor and finish: Stir in the cardamom powder and saffron strands if using. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, then turn off the heat.
- Serve warm: Transfer the halwa to a serving bowl, garnish with chopped almonds or extra nuts if desired, and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
Tip: Patience is key when roasting besan. Low and slow roasting yields the best flavor and prevents bitterness.
Variation: For a vegan version, substitute ghee with coconut oil or vegan butter. The flavor will slightly differ but remain delicious.
Tip: Adding a splash of milk instead of water can make the halwa richer and creamier.
Variation: You can enhance your halwa by adding a handful of grated coconut or a pinch of nutmeg for a unique twist.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (Approx. 100g) |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 35 g |
Protein | 7 g |
Fat | 18 g |
Fiber | 3 g |
Sugar | 22 g |
Serving Suggestions
Besan ka halwa is best enjoyed warm, straight from the pan or slightly cooled. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of masala chai or cardamom-spiced tea for a comforting snack.
You can also serve it alongside other Indian sweets like Magic Dough Recipe or a simple fruit salad to balance the sweetness.
For festive occasions, present the halwa in small bowls garnished with edible silver leaf (varak) or fresh rose petals for an elegant touch. It also makes a lovely dessert after rich meals such as Kosher Short Ribs Recipe or a spicy curry.
Besan Ka Halwa and More Veg Recipes of India
Indian cuisine offers an incredible variety of vegetarian dishes that are both nourishing and flavorful. Here are some other popular veg recipes from India that you might enjoy:
- Leek Recipes Indian – Try this fresh and vibrant recipe featuring leeks cooked with traditional spices.
- Low Sodium Hummus Recipe – A healthy twist on a popular dip, perfect for snacking or as a side.
- Julie Marie Eats Recipes – A collection of vegan-friendly Indian dishes that showcase regional flavors.
Exploring these recipes can broaden your culinary repertoire and bring the authentic taste of India right to your kitchen. Each dish highlights the use of fresh ingredients and spices that define Indian vegetarian cooking.
Conclusion
Besan ka halwa is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of Indian culinary heritage. Its rich flavor, comforting texture, and simple preparation make it a must-try for anyone looking to explore authentic Indian sweets.
Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or a casual treat, this recipe guarantees a delicious outcome every time.
By mastering this halwa, you open the door to a world of traditional Indian cooking that is both satisfying and heartwarming. Don’t forget to check out other wonderful recipes linked above to keep your kitchen buzzing with exciting flavors.
Happy cooking!
đź“– Recipe Card: Besan Ka Halwa
Description: A rich and delicious Indian dessert made from roasted gram flour, ghee, and sugar. This traditional halwa is aromatic and perfect for festive occasions.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup besan (gram flour)
- 1/2 cup ghee
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 10 cashew nuts
- 10 almonds (sliced)
- 2 tablespoons raisins
- 1 tablespoon chopped pistachios (optional)
Instructions
- Heat ghee in a pan on medium heat.
- Add cashew nuts, almonds, and raisins; sauté until golden and set aside.
- Add besan to the ghee and roast on low heat until it turns golden brown and aromatic.
- In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and dissolve sugar in it.
- Slowly add the sugar syrup to the roasted besan while stirring continuously.
- Cook the mixture on low heat until it thickens and ghee starts to separate.
- Add cardamom powder and mix well.
- Garnish with roasted nuts and serve warm.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 18 g | Carbs: 30 g
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