Authentic Moong Dal Halwa Recipe: Rich, Festive Indian Dessert

50 minutes

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4 from 5 votes

About Authentic Moong Dal Halwa Recipe: Rich, Festive Indian Dessert

Indulge in the creamy richness of authentic Moong Dal Halwa, a beloved Indian dessert perfect for celebrations like Diwali, Holi, or weddings. This recipe guides you through creating a melt-in-your-mouth halwa with fragrant cardamom and crunchy almonds, a true taste of tradition.
While the process requires time and patience, especially when sautéing the dal to a golden perfection, the result is incredibly rewarding. This classic recipe uses generous amounts of ghee, sugar, and milk for a decadent experience. Enjoy it warm, in small portions, to truly appreciate its exquisite flavor.
Prepare to impress your family and friends with this elegant and flavorful Indian sweet treat. This detailed recipe ensures a perfect outcome every time, even for beginner cooks.
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Recipe Time & More

Prep10 minutes
Cook40 minutes
Total50 minutes
Calories581 kcal
Serves4
Served AsLunch
Recipe TasteCrunchySweet

Ingredients
 

Moong Dal Preparation

  • 1 cup Mung Bean also known as yellow split pigeon peas, yellow

Cooking Fats & Sweeteners

  • 1/2 cup Ghee clarified butter; use regular unsalted butter if unavailable
  • 1 cup Sugar granulated white sugar; adjust to your sweetness preference

Dairy & Spices

  • 1 cup Milk whole milk recommended for richness
  • 1/2 tbsp Cardamom Powder freshly ground cardamom is best; also known as elaichi powder

Garnish

  • 2 tbsp Almonds slivered almonds, toasted for enhanced flavor
  • 1 cup Water warm water
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Instructions
 

Prepare the Moong Dal

  • Soak 1 cup of yellow moong dal in enough water for at least 3 hours. Drain thoroughly and blend into a coarse paste using a food processor or blender. Avoid adding extra water.

Sauté the Dal

  • Heat 1/2 cup of desi ghee in a deep, non-stick kadhai (wok) over medium heat. Add the moong dal paste and cook, stirring continuously, for about 25-30 minutes, until it turns a rich golden brown. This step requires patience and continuous stirring to prevent burning.

Add Milk and Water

  • Pour in 1 cup of milk and 1 cup of warm water. Mix well and cook for another 7-8 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.

Incorporate Sugar

  • Add 1 cup of sugar and mix thoroughly. Continue cooking on medium heat for approximately 3 minutes, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture thickens slightly.

Add Spices and Garnish

  • Stir in 1/2 tbsp of cardamom powder and cook for 1 minute more, while stirring continuously. Remove from heat.

Serve or Store

  • Serve the Moong Dal Halwa warm, garnished with 2 tbsp of toasted slivered almonds. If not serving immediately, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Recipe Notes

Expert Tips for the Perfect Moong Dal Halwa

  • Toast the almonds: Toasting the almonds before garnishing enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
  • Control the sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar based on your preference. Taste the halwa before adding the full cup of sugar and add more if needed.
  • Don't rush the cooking: The key to a perfect halwa is slow and consistent cooking. Patience during the sautéing process is crucial for achieving the desired texture and color.
  • Use fresh spices: Freshly ground cardamom powder will significantly elevate the flavor of your halwa compared to pre-ground.
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4 from 5 votes

Recipe Nutrition

Calories: 581kcalCarbohydrates: 84gProtein: 15gFat: 22gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6.6gMonounsaturated Fat: 13.2gCholesterol: 3mgFiber: 8gSugar: 55g

sarika gupta
sarika gupta
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