Winter is the perfect time to indulge in warm, comforting desserts, and one of the most beloved winter treats in South Asian cuisine is halwa. Halwa, a traditional sweet dish, is made by cooking a combination of ingredients like semolina, wheat flour, carrots, or lentils with ghee, sugar, and aromatic spices. Whether served hot or at room temperature, halwa is a delightful winter delicacy that brings warmth and happiness. Here are five must-have halwas to try during the winter season.
Gajar Halwa (Carrot Halwa)
Gajar Halwa is a classic winter dessert made with grated carrots, milk, sugar, and ghee. The mixture is slow-cooked until the carrots become tender and aromatic. The rich flavors of carrots combined with the sweetness of sugar and the richness of ghee make this halwa a winter favorite. Garnished with chopped nuts, Gajar Halwa is best enjoyed hot, especially on chilly winter evenings.
Moong Dal Halwa
Moong Dal Halwa is a decadent dessert made with yellow split lentils, ghee, sugar, and flavored with cardamom. The lentils are soaked, ground, and then cooked with ghee until they turn golden brown. The aroma of roasting lentils and the richness of ghee make this halwa an absolute delight. Moong Dal Halwa is often garnished with almonds, pistachios, and silver leaf, making it visually appealing and tempting to taste.
Sooji Halwa (Semolina Halwa)
Sooji Halwa, also known as Sheera, is a simple yet satisfying dessert made with semolina, ghee, sugar, and water. The semolina is roasted in ghee until golden brown and then mixed with a sugar syrup to achieve a smooth and silky texture. Cardamom and saffron add a delightful aroma and flavor. Sooji Halwa is often served with savory dishes like poori (fried flatbread), making it a popular choice for breakfast during winter.
Atta Halwa (Wheat Halwa)
Atta Halwa is a delightful dessert made with whole wheat flour, ghee, sugar, and water. The wheat flour is slow-cooked in ghee until it turns golden brown and releases a beautiful aroma. A sugar syrup is then added to create a luscious and sweet halwa. Atta Halwa is known for its hearty texture and is often enjoyed as a winter breakfast item or as a comforting dessert after a meal.
Badam Halwa (Almond Halwa)
Badam Halwa is a luxurious winter treat made with rich and creamy almonds. Whole almonds are soaked, peeled, and ground into a smooth paste, which is then cooked with ghee, sugar, and aromatic spices. The sweet, nutty flavor of almonds combined with the richness of ghee creates an indulgent delight. Badam Halwa is often adorned with saffron strands and silver leaf, making it an exquisite dessert to serve during festive occasions.
These five halwas are a must-try during the winter season. Each of them offers a unique and delightful flavor, and their warm and comforting nature makes them perfect for cozy winter evenings. So, go ahead and indulge in these delightful halwas to satisfy your sweet tooth and enjoy the essence of winter through these traditional South Asian treats.
Also Read: Food Pyramid – A guide to a balanced diet
