Karachi Halwa, also known as Bombay Halwa, is a popular Indian sweet that's soft, chewy, and flavored with ghee and cardamom. A step-by-step guide on how to make Karachi Halwa:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of corn flour
- 1 1/2 cups of sugar
- 1 1/2 cups of water
- 1/4 cup of ghee (clarified butter)
- 1/4 cup of mixed nuts (cashews, almonds, and pistachios), chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom powder
- A few drops of food color (optional)
- A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare a Greased Plate:
- Grease a plate or tray with a little ghee and set it aside. This is where you will spread the Karachi Halwa.
2. Roast the Nuts:
- In a dry pan, lightly roast the chopped nuts until they become aromatic. Set them aside.
3. Prepare the Sugar Syrup:
- In a separate pan, combine sugar and water. Heat it over medium heat to make a sugar syrup. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
4. Test Syrup Consistency:
- Continue to cook the sugar syrup until it reaches a one-string consistency. To test this, take a small amount of syrup between your thumb and forefinger and pull them apart. If it forms a single thread, it's ready. Alternatively, you can use a candy thermometer, and it should read around 110°C (230°F).
5. Mix Corn Flour:
- In a mixing bowl, add corn flour and a little water to make a smooth paste, ensuring there are no lumps. You can add a few drops of food color to this mixture if desired.
6. Combine Corn Flour and Sugar Syrup:
- Slowly pour the corn flour mixture into the sugar syrup, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Keep stirring over low heat until the mixture thickens.
7. Add Ghee:
- Add ghee and continue to cook while stirring. The mixture should start to leave the sides of the pan.
8. Add Cardamom and Nuts:
- Add cardamom powder, saffron strands (if using), and the roasted nuts. Stir well to combine.
9. Spread on the Plate:
- Pour the hot Karachi Halwa mixture onto the greased plate and spread it evenly with a spatula.
10. Allow to Cool:
- Let the Karachi Halwa cool for a few hours. It will firm up as it cools.
11. Cut into Pieces:
- Once the halwa has cooled and set, use a sharp knife to cut it into square or diamond-shaped pieces.
12. Serve:
- Serve and enjoy your homemade Karachi Halwa as a delightful Indian sweet.
Karachi Halwa is a colorful and delicious sweet that's perfect for festive occasions and celebrations. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.