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Chana Dal Halwa
Serves 4
215 mins
200 Kcal
Chana dal halwa is a very traditional Indian dessert prepared with chana dal or split chickpeas, sugar, ghee, or clarified butter, along with aromatic spices. This rich-flavoured dessert is a favourite in almost all regions of India, especially for festival occasions. The chana dal halwa has a wide variety of soft nutty flavours that blend beautifully with the sweetness and fragrance of cardamom and saffron. To prepare the chana dal halwa, chana dal is soaked, cooked until soft, and then ground into a coarse paste. Then, in a pan, add ghee and saut the dal mixture until it turns golden brown and releases an aroma; add sugar and water to create a syrupy consistency, cardamom, and saffron that enhances the flavour profile. It is simmered until it becomes thickened to a pudding-like texture and then garnished with chopped nuts like almonds, cashews, and pistachio, adding crunchiness and a certain richness. The chana dal halwa recipe is pretty easy to follow, or so it seems. It has yielded a decadent dessert that's both filling and nutritious. The chana dal's high protein content combined with ghee and nuts makes it a filling dessert that is great to be in after meals or even a treat. Whether preparing it for some festival gathering or otherwise indulging in some homemade dessert, your satisfaction will surely be there with chana dal halwa.
Ingredients required for Chana Dal Halwa
- 1/2 cup chana dal
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup ghee
- 1 cardamom
- 5 almonds or cashews
Cooking steps for Chana Dal Halwa
- 1Chana Dal Halwa is like a decadent, creamy dessert dripping with indulgence.
- 2Start by soaking 1/2 cup of chana dal in water for 30 minutes, which makes it softer and easier to cook.
- 3Drain the dal and saut it in a heavy-bottomed pan with ¼ cup + 2 teaspoons of ghee over medium heat.
- 4Stir for 4–5 minutes, letting the dal roast lightly and soak up all that buttery goodness.
- 5Add 1/2 cup of milk and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 6Once the dal is soft and the milk is absorbed, it's time to sweeten things up—stir in 1/2 cup sugar and watch as the mixture thickens into a luxurious caramelized base.
- 7Toss in one lightly crushed cardamom pod for a fragrant boost, then sprinkle in 5 chopped almonds or cashews for a nutty crunch.
- 8Cook for another 5 minutes until the halwa reaches a thick, glossy consistency that practically begs to be eaten.
- 9For an added layer of decadence, mix in a teaspoon of rose water or a few drops of edible kewra essence.
- 10Serve it warm, garnished with more nuts, a few strands of saffron, or a drizzle of melted ghee for that extra shine.
- 11Whether you're celebrating a festival, impressing guests, or simply treating yourself, Chana Dal Halwa is a dessert that always delivers comfort and joy.
- 12Its rich flavor and irresistible texture make it a timeless indulgence. Try out this recipe of chana dal halwa today.
FAQs
What is Chana Dal Halwa, and how is it prepared?
Chana Dal Halwa is a scrumptious Indian dessert that is prepared with split chickpeas (chana dal), sugar, ghee, and plenty of aromatic spices, including cardamom and saffron, and chana dal that is soaked and then cooked soft with subsequent saut ing in ghee allowing the dal to absorb the rich flavours. Sugar is added, while nuts like cashews, almonds, and pistachios are included for that crunch and flavour. As a result, there is a wholesome dessert with a distinct nutty flavour, and smooth pudding-like consistency.
Can Chana Dal Halwa be prepared in advance?
This Chana Dal Halwa can be prepared beforehand and stored for later use. Once made, let the halwa cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days. Warm it over the stove with milk or water to reheat, and it will return to its creamy texture. Many people find that the flavours of Chana Dal Halwa improve after a day or two, as the spices have more time to infuse into the dish.
Can I make Chana Dal Halwa without ghee or sugar?
Yes, you can modify Chana Dal Halwa to suit dietary preferences. You can swap out the ghee with vegetable oil or coconut oil for a healthier version, though the flavour is a bit off. You may be looking to reduce sugar. Replace it with natural sweeteners like jaggery or honey, according to your preference.