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6 Mins delivery
Bandhar Halwa
Serves 3
45 mins
260 KcalBandhar Halwa is made in North India and consists of typical Bengali dishes that are rich and indulgent and have deep, aromatic flavours. This unique halwa comprises besan - chickpea flour, ghee-clarified butter, sugar, and cardamom that lends a warm flavour with hints of nuts and a silky melt-in-mouth consistency. Bandhar halwa is enjoyed on special occasions and festivals and may be consumed as a dessert after any meal. A typical recipe for Bandar halwa begins with the roasting of besan in ghee until it dries and turns golden brown with an intense roasted smell. This step ensures that the resulting halwa has its distinctive taste. When the besan is roasted, sugar and water are put into it, bringing a smooth, syrupy base. The mixture should be stirred continuously so no lumps form. The halwa then becomes soft and thick. Cardamom is used at the last minute to give the dessert a fragrant, spicy warmth. Once the halwa thickens, slivered almonds, cashews, or pistachios generally add a bit of crunch and texture contrast to the soft one. Bandhar halwa is, like most other halwa, served warm to make it a perfect comfort food, a fine treat during the cold months. The rich taste and easy preparation make this sweet sure to impress anyone with their teeth in sweets, offering the perfect blend of sweetness, nuttiness, and warmth.
Ingredients required for Bandhar Halwa
- 1 cup maida
- 2 cup jaggery
- 0.25 cup cashew nuts
- 0.05 cup ghee
- 0.05 cup elaichi powder
Cooking steps for Bandhar Halwa
- 1Let's dive into the recipe of Bandhar Halwa.
- 2Start by gathering your A-team of ingredients. You'll need 1 cup of maida (the smooth operator that forms the halwa base), 2 cups of jaggery (think caramel-y sweetness with depth), 1/2 cup of ghee (because rich is the vibe), ¼ cup of cashews (for that satisfying crunch), and 1/2 teaspoon of elaichi powder.
- 3To get things rolling, melt 1/2 cup of ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Ghee isn't just an ingredient—it's the key to that silky, non-stick halwa texture.
- 4Once it's melted and shiny, toss in the cashews and let them toast to golden perfection. Keep an eye on them—burnt cashews are a buzzkill. Once done, scoop them out and set them aside for their grand finale.
- 5In the same pan, add 1 cup of maida to the ghee.
- 6Stir like your life depends on it—roasting flour is serious business, and you don't want any lumps or burnt spots.
- 7After 8-10 minutes of low-to-medium heat magic, the maida will turn golden and release a nutty aroma that'll make your kitchen smell like heaven.
- 8Next, it's time for the sweet stuff.
- 9Add 2 cups of grated or crumbled jaggery into the roasted flour.
- 10Stir it in like you're mixing a love potion. To help the jaggery dissolve, splash in 1/2 to 1 cup of water, a little at a time.
- 11Keep stirring as the jaggery melts and transforms the mixture into a glossy, semi-liquid pudding.
- 12Now for the pièce de r sistance: sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of elaichi powder and stir well. The cardamom adds a fragrant, spicy-sweet note that balances all the richness. You're in the home stretch once the halwa thickens and holds its shape when spooned onto a plate. Take it off the heat, stir in those toasted cashews, and get ready to wow your taste buds.
- 13Serve Bandhar Halwa warm or at room temperature, topped with extra cashews for that fancy finish.
- 14Pair it with a hot cup of chai or coffee for the ultimate indulgence. This dessert is everything—sweet, nutty, buttery, and bursting with flavour. Whether it's a festival, a cozy family gathering, or just a regular Tuesday, Bandhar Halwa is here to enchant your soul, one spoonful at a time.
FAQs
How do I avoid lumps when roasting maida in bandhar halwa?
Stir constantly over low-to-medium heat and add the maida slowly to the ghee. Patience is key to achieving a smooth texture.
Why do I need to toast the cashews separately for this recipe of bandhar halwa?
Toasting cashews in ghee before adding them enhances their flavor and ensures they're perfectly golden without burning.
Can I prepare Bandhar Halwa in advance?
Yes, it can be made ahead of time. It stores pretty well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days. If the halwa is too thick when you take it from the fridge, you can reheat it on low, adding some milk or ghee to get back the creamy texture of the halwa. Bandhar Halwa freezes well and can be kept for up to a month.
