Ingredients:
- 1 cup moong dal (yellow split lentils)
- 1/2 cup ghee (clarified butter)
- 1 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups water (or as needed)
- 1/4 cup milk (optional, for creaminess)
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 10-12 cashews (chopped)
- 10-12 almonds (sliced)
- 10-12 pistachios (chopped)
- A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
- Rose water or kewra water (optional, for aroma)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dal:
- Rinse the moong dal thoroughly in water.
- Soak the dal in warm water for 30-45 minutes to soften it. This will reduce the cooking time.
- Drain the water after soaking.
- Cook the Dal:
- In a pan or pressure cooker, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee and add the soaked and drained moong dal.
- Roast the dal on medium heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring continuously, until it turns slightly golden brown.
- Cook the Halwa:
- In a separate pan, heat the remaining ghee (around 3-4 tablespoons).
- Add the roasted moong dal to the ghee and stir well to coat the dal in ghee.
- Add 2 cups of water (or more if necessary) to the dal, and cook on low-medium heat. If you’re using saffron, add it now by soaking it in warm water or milk.
- Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the dal softens and absorbs the water.
- Add Sugar and Milk:
- Once the dal is soft, add the sugar to the pan and stir well. The sugar will melt, and the mixture will become syrupy.
- If you like a creamy texture, add 1/4 cup milk and cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Cardamom and Nuts:
- Add the cardamom powder for flavor.
- Stir in the chopped cashews, almonds, and pistachios, reserving some for garnish.
- Final Cooking:
- Continue to cook the halwa on low heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens, and the ghee starts to separate from the halwa.
- Once the halwa reaches a pudding-like consistency, remove from heat.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with the remaining chopped nuts and serve hot.
Enjoy your warm, flavorful Moong Dal Halwa!
Moong Dal Halwa
Rating: 4/5
Preparation Time: 15 m
Cooking Time: 20 m
Total Time: 35 m
