Moong Dal Halwa is a beloved traditional Indian dessert that graces most festive occasions, especially in winters. This rich, aromatic sweet dish, made from ground yellow lentils, ghee, and dry fruits, can be a perfect way to impress your guests or indulge yourself. Although it requires some patience, the delicious outcome is worth every minute.

Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to make Moong Dal Halwa at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 cup moong dal (split yellow lentils)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup ghee
• 3 cups milk
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• Handful of chopped dry fruits (almonds, cashews, and raisins)

Preparation Steps:

1. Soak the Moong Dal

Begin by soaking 1 cup of moong dal in water for at least 4-5 hours. This softens the lentils, making them easier to grind into a smooth paste.

If you’re short on time or looking for a quicker option, you can try moong dal halwa instant mixes available in the market. These instant mixes can help cut down on the cooking time, giving you the same traditional flavors in minutes.

2. Grind the Dal

Once soaked, drain the water and grind the moong dal into a coarse paste. You can add a little water if needed to ensure smooth grinding. The paste should be of a slightly grainy texture to give your halwa a bit of bite.

3. Cook the Dal Paste

Heat 1 cup of ghee in a deep non-stick pan on medium heat. Once the ghee is hot, add the ground moong dal paste to it.

Now, this is where patience comes into play. Stir the mixture continuously to avoid lumps. The dal needs to be roasted until it turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma. This process can take about 20-30 minutes, so don’t rush it. The slow roasting gives the halwa its rich flavor.

4. Add Milk & Water

Once the dal is well roasted, mix in 3 cups of milk and 1/2 cup of water. Stir well to combine. Continue to cook the mixture until the dal absorbs the milk and thickens. Stir constantly to avoid sticking at the bottom of the pan.

5. Add Sugar and Cardamom

Now, add 1 cup of sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of cardamom powder to the thickened dal mixture. Stir everything well. The sugar will melt, giving the halwa a glossy texture.

6. Cook Until Done

Let the halwa cook for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens further and the ghee starts to separate from the sides of the pan.

7. Garnish and Serve

Your homemade Moong Dal Halwa is now ready! Garnish it with chopped dry fruits like almonds, cashews, and raisins for that perfect festive touch.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Halwa:

• Rava (semolina) is another ingredient often used in traditional Indian sweets to add texture and balance flavors. While it’s not part of the classic Moong Dal Halwa recipe, adding a small amount of roasted rava can give your halwa a unique twist. Shop for Aashirvaad Double Roasted Suji Rava to make your dish lip-smacking!
• For a richer taste, you can substitute some of the water with saffron-infused milk, which adds a subtle fragrance and a beautiful golden hue to the dish.
• While roasting the dal, make sure to keep the flame on medium-low. High heat can lead to uneven roasting, and that can affect the final taste of your halwa.
• If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, reduce the amount of ghee slightly and replace some of the sugar with jaggery. This will give your halwa an earthy flavor, along with the health benefits of jaggery.

Conclusion

Though you can easily find moong dal halwa instant mixes or buy pre-made halwa from sweet shops, making it from scratch at home allows you to control the quality and quantity of ingredients. You can adjust the sweetness to your preference and use organic or homemade ghee for a healthier, tastier version.

This winter, try making this delicious dessert at home. Whether you’re cooking for a family celebration or just treating yourself to something special, Moong Dal Halwa is sure to leave everyone asking for seconds!

Don’t have all the ingredients you’ll need to make this yummy recipe? Head over to the ITC online store and shop for Aashirvaad Organic Moong Dal, Aashirvaad Ghee and other pantry staples at the best price ever!