Moong Dal Halwa is a classic Indian dessert made from yellow split mung lentils, ghee (clarified butter), sugar, and flavored with cardamom and saffron. A step-by-step guide on how to make Moong Dal Halwa:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of yellow moong dal (yellow split mung lentils)
- 1 cup of sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup of ghee (clarified butter)
- A pinch of saffron strands
- 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom powder
- A handful of chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, or pistachios)
- 2-3 cups of water
- A few raisins for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Wash and Soak the Moong Dal:
- Rinse the moong dal in cold water until the water runs clear.
- Soak the moong dal in 2-3 cups of water for 4-5 hours. After soaking, drain the water.
2. Grind the Moong Dal:
- Transfer the soaked moong dal to a food processor and grind it into a smooth paste. You can add a little water if needed, but try to keep the paste as dry as possible.
3. Cook the Moong Dal:
- Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pan or kadai and add 1/2 cup of ghee.
- Add the ground moong dal to the pan and cook it over medium-low to medium heat, stirring continuously. This is a crucial step and may take about 20-25 minutes. The moong dal should turn light brown and become aromatic.
4. Add Sugar:
- Once the moong dal is roasted, add sugar and mix well. Continue cooking and stirring.
5. Add Saffron and Cardamom:
- Add a pinch of saffron strands (pre-soaked in a little warm milk) and cardamom powder to the mixture. Continue to cook.
6. Cook Until Ghee Separates:
- Keep cooking until the mixture thickens and the ghee starts to separate from the dal. This may take another 10-15 minutes.
7. Add Nuts:
- Add chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios) and mix them into the halwa.
8. Garnish:
- Garnish the Moong Dal Halwa with a few raisins and additional nuts.
9. Serve:
- Serve Moong Dal Halwa warm. It's delicious on its own or can be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh cream.
Moong Dal Halwa is a rich, indulgent dessert, and making it involves some patience, but the end result is absolutely worth it. Enjoy your homemade Moong Dal Halwa!