– As a food chef and blogger, I am excited to share with you a fantastic recipe for a traditional Indian sweet dish called Ashoka Halwa.
– Originating from the town of Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu, this delectable dessert is known for its rich flavor and unique texture.
– In this article, I will guide you through the ingredients and steps to prepare this mouthwatering Ashoka Halwa right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup moong dal (split yellow lentils)
– 1 cup sugar
– 1 cup ghee (clarified butter)
– 4-5 cardamom pods, crushed
– A handful of cashew nuts and raisins
– A pinch of saffron strands
– Water
Recipe:
1. Begin by rinsing the moong dal thoroughly and soaking it in water for about 2 hours.
2. After draining the water, grind the dal into a coarse paste without adding any water.
3. In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee and roast the ground moong dal paste until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma.
4. While the dal is roasting, heat the remaining ghee in another pan and fry the cashew nuts and raisins until they turn golden brown. Set them aside for later use.
5. In a separate small bowl, soak the saffron strands in a tablespoon of warm milk.
6. Once the moong dal paste is roasted, add sugar and water to the pan and continue cooking over low heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens.
7. Stir in the saffron-infused milk, crushed cardamom pods, and the fried cashew nuts and raisins.
8. Continue cooking the mixture while stirring continuously until it reaches a halwa-like consistency and the ghee begins to separate from the sides of the pan.
9. Transfer the Ashoka Halwa to a serving dish and garnish it with additional cashew nuts and saffron strands if desired.
10. Serve this delightful dessert warm or at room temperature and savor the authentic flavors of Sivakasi in every bite.
I hope you enjoy making and indulging in this mouthwatering Ashoka Halwa as much as I do. With its rich flavor and warm, comforting texture, it’s a true delight for the taste buds. Let me know in the comments below if you try this recipe and how it turned out for you!