Moong Dal Halwa Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup yellow moong dal (split yellow gram)
1 cup ghee (clarified butter)
1 cup sugar
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
A pinch of saffron strands (soaked in 1 tablespoon warm milk)
Chopped nuts for garnishing (almonds, cashews, and pistachios)

Instructions

Wash and Soak Dal: Wash the moong dal thoroughly and soak it in enough water for 4-5 hours.
Grind Dal: Drain the soaked dal and grind it into a coarse paste without adding any water.
Prepare Saffron Milk: Soak saffron strands in warm milk and set aside.
Cook Dal Paste: Heat 1/2 cup of ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add the ground moong dal paste and cook on low heat, stirring continuously.
Roast Dal: Roast the dal paste until it turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma. This may take about 20-25 minutes.
Add Milk: Once the dal is well-roasted, add milk slowly while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
Cook Dal in Milk: Cook the dal in milk until it absorbs the liquid and becomes a thick, halwa-like consistency.
Add Sugar: Add sugar and continue to cook, stirring consistently until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Add Saffron Milk and Cardamom Powder:
Pour in the saffron-infused milk and add cardamom powder. Mix well.
Add Ghee: Add the remaining ghee and continue cooking until the halwa reaches a glossy consistency and starts leaving the sides of the pan.
Garnish: Garnish the Moong Dal Halwa with chopped nuts of your choice.
Serve: Serve the delicious Moong Dal Halwa warm. It can be enjoyed on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips:

Adjust the quantity of sugar according to your sweetness preference.
Ensure that the dal is well-roasted to get the desired flavor.
Use a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent the dal from sticking to the bottom.

In every spoonful of Moong Dal Halwa, savor the culmination of effort and tradition, as this timeless dessert brings joy to your palate. Whether served at family gatherings or shared among friends, the indulgent richness and fragrant notes of cardamom and saffron make this halwa a true culinary delight. Let the golden hues and aromatic essence of this dish transport you to a realm of sweet nostalgia. Embrace the culinary heritage and create lasting memories with the preparation and enjoyment of this classic Moong Dal Halwa recipe.