Moong Dal Halwa

A few days ago, I posted Oats-Stuffed Mirchi/Green Chili Curry by Poojita of PK’s Kitchen Equations and it was such an instant hit that a couple of people tried it immediately. Now it is my turn to do the good deed and I am happy to be presenting this delectable Moong Dal Halwa.

I fell in love with Moong Dal Halwa at Govinda’s, the restaurant at ISKCON, Juhu, Mumbai. In fact, all the food at Govinda’s is truly Prasadam, not only because it is offered to Lord Sri Krishna but also because it is simply divine in taste as well. You will find an extensive buffet with dishes to suit every taste and from a variety of Indian and international cuisines. The best part is that all the food is pure vegetarian and satvic.

When I was thinking of which dish to make for Poojita as a Guest Post; I was suddenly struck by the fact that this is was Dhanur (Marghazi) Maasam, which is considered auspicious for Maha Vishnu. For some reason, at that instant, I thought of ISKCON and its Moong Dal Halwa, and so came about this post. 🙂

Do visit Poojita’s blog at PK’s Kitchen Equations for lovely recipes, many with an interesting twist or two.

How to Make Moong Dal Halwa

Serves: 4

Preparation Time: 6 to 8 Hours

Cooking Time: 60-75 Minutes

Ingredients

1. Moong Dal – 1 Cup
2. Ghee – ½ Cup + 2 tbsp
3. Milk – 1 Cup + 2 tbsp
4. Sugar – 1 Cup
5. Saffron – 6 to 8 strands
6. Cashew – 8
7. Almonds – 8
8. Green Cardamom – 4

Preparing the Moong Dal Paste

1. Wash the Moong Dal well and soak in 2 cups water for 6 to 8 hours.
2. After the Moong Dal is soaked, drain all the water.
3. Wash well.
4. In as little water as possible, grind the moong dal to a coarse paste (idli batter consistency).

Other Preparations

1. Peel the green cardamom.
2. Crush the cardamom seeds to a coarse powder. I find that adding 1 tsp of sugar to the seeds helps in crushing them easily.
3. Warm 2 tbsp milk and soak the saffron in it.
4. Split the cashews.
5. Chop the almonds to long slivers.

Method to Make the Halwa

1. In a heavy bottomed kadhai or vessel, over medium-heat, melt ½ cup ghee.
2. Add the Moong Dal paste to the melted ghee.
3. Mix well.
4. Stir-fry till the Moong Dal paste starts to turn golden brown and loses the raw taste.
5. Add the sugar and mix well.
6. Add 1 cup milk and mix well.
7. Cook till the milk is fully absorbed and the ghee starts to appear at the outer edges of the halwa. Mix well every 2-3 minutes.
8. Add the cardamom powder and saffron soaked in milk.
9. Mix well.
10. Turn off the heat.
11. In a ladle, melt 2 tbsp ghee.
12. Add the cashew and almond pieces.
13. Fry till the start to turn brown.
14. Add the fried dry-fruit along with the ghee to the halwa.
15. Enjoy!