Moong Dal Halwa Recipe: Moong Dal Halwa is a classic Rajasthani sweet dessert traditionally prepared during the winter months and served at weddings, auspicious occasions, and festivals like Diwali and Holi. While making this halwa at home requires effort, patience, and time, the delicious taste and the ability to preserve it for a few days in the refrigerator make it worth the endeavor. Follow the detailed recipe below to make this delectable treat at home.
Moong Dal Halwa Recipe Ingredients:
- 1 cup Yellow Moong Dal (yellow lentils)
- 3/4 cup Ghee (clarified butter)
- 1½ cups Milk (warm)
- 1 cup Water (warm)
- 1 cup Sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon Green Cardamom Powder
- A few Saffron Strands (optional)
- 2 tablespoons Mixed Dry Fruits (almonds, cashew nuts, pistachios) for garnishing
Moong Dal Halwa Recipe Directions:
- Wash 1 cup of yellow moong dal under running water in a colander or sieve for 3-4 times. Soak the dal in water for at least 3-4 hours or overnight.
- Drain excess water from the soaked dal and transfer it to a mixer grinder jar. Grind the dal into a medium coarse paste without adding water. Use water sparingly, if needed.
- Dissolve a few saffron strands in 1 tablespoon warm milk and set aside.
- Heat 3/4 cup of ghee in a non-stick pan over medium flame. It’s recommended to use a non-stick pan to prevent sticking.
- Add the moong dal paste to the heated ghee and cook over low-medium flame. Initially, the mixture will be sticky and hard to stir. After about 10 minutes of cooking, it will become lumpy. After 20-25 minutes of cooking, it will start to separate and turn crumbly.
- Continue stirring and cooking until the dal is separated, has a granular consistency, and turns light golden brown, releasing a pleasant aroma.
- Add 1½ cups of warm milk and 1 cup of warm water to the cooked dal mixture. Stir and cook until most of the moisture is absorbed, and ghee starts separating from the sides.
- Next, add 1 cup of sugar to the mixture. Stir and cook until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture forms a large lump. This will take approximately 5 minutes.
- Add green cardamom powder and saffron milk to the mixture. Mix well and cook for another minute.
- Finally, add chopped nuts and mix well. Turn off the flame.
- Allow the Moong Dal Halwa to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Moong Dal Halwa Recipe Tips and Variations:
- Adjust the sugar quantity to suit your taste preferences.
- Ensure to use sufficient ghee to achieve the rich flavor and prevent sticking.
- Stir continuously while cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
- Do not add water while grinding the dal; only add minimal water if necessary to make a coarse paste.
- Moong Dal Halwa can be served as a dessert after meals or as a sweet offering during festivals.
Conclusion:
Moong Dal Halwa Recipe is not just a dessert; it’s a cultural delicacy enjoyed during festive celebrations and special occasions. While its preparation requires effort and time, the rich flavor and creamy texture make it a favorite among dessert lovers. With the ability to store it for several days, Moong Dal Halwa is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere, spreading joy and sweetness to every occasion.
FAQs about Moong Dal Halwa Recipe:
What is Moong Dal Halwa?
Moong Dal Halwa is a classic Rajasthani sweet dessert made from yellow moong dal (yellow lentils), ghee (clarified butter), sugar, milk, and flavored with cardamom and saffron. It’s a rich and indulgent treat often served during winter months and festive occasions.
How is Moong Dal Halwa different from other halwas?
Moong Dal Halwa stands out for its unique preparation method using soaked and ground moong dal, resulting in a creamy and aromatic dessert. Its distinct flavor and texture set it apart from other varieties of halwa.
Is Moong Dal Halwa difficult to make at home?
While making Moong Dal Halwa at home requires effort, patience, and time due to the need for constant stirring and long cooking time, the delicious taste and the ability to preserve it make it worth the endeavor.
Can Moong Dal Halwa be stored?
Yes, Moong Dal Halwa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It can be enjoyed chilled or reheated before serving.
Can I customize Moong Dal Halwa according to my preferences?
Yes, you can customize Moong Dal Halwa by adjusting the sugar quantity to suit your taste preferences. Additionally, you can add a variety of nuts and dry fruits for garnishing to enhance the flavor and texture.
