Atta halwa, also known as wheat halwa, is a popular Indian sweet dish made from whole wheat flour. It's a delicious and comforting dessert that's relatively simple to prepare. A step-by-step guide on how to make atta halwa:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (atta)
- 1/2 cup ghee (clarified butter)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1.5 cups water
- A pinch of cardamom powder
- A handful of chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, and pistachios)
- A few strands of saffron (optional)
- A pinch of edible food color (optional)
Instructions:
1. Roast the Wheat Flour:
- Heat a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai on low to medium heat and add the whole wheat flour.
- Dry roast the wheat flour in the ghee, stirring continuously to prevent burning. Roast until it turns a deep golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma. This can take about 10-15 minutes. Be patient and keep stirring to ensure even roasting.
2. Prepare the Saffron (Optional):
- If you're using saffron, soak the saffron strands in a tablespoon of warm milk to release their color and flavor.
3. Make the Sugar Syrup:
- In a separate saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat this mixture over low heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves.
4. Add the Sugar Syrup:
- Carefully pour the sugar syrup into the roasted wheat flour while stirring continuously. Be cautious as it might splatter a bit. Keep stirring to avoid lumps.
5. Add Saffron and Color (Optional):
- If using saffron, add the saffron-infused milk to the halwa for a lovely color and flavor. You can also add a pinch of edible food color if you desire a deeper hue.
6. Add Cardamom Powder:
- Sprinkle a pinch of cardamom powder into the mixture for a delightful fragrance and flavor.
7. Cook and Stir:
- Continue to cook the mixture on low to medium heat, stirring continuously. The atta halwa will thicken as it absorbs the sugar syrup.
8. Add Chopped Nuts:
- As the mixture thickens and starts to leave the sides of the pan, add the chopped nuts. Keep a few for garnishing.
9. Garnish and Serve:
- Once the atta halwa reaches a thick, pudding-like consistency and the ghee begins to separate, it's ready. Remove it from the heat.
- Garnish with the reserved nuts and a bit of ghee.
10. Serve Warm:
- Serve atta halwa warm as a delightful dessert. It can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
Atta halwa is a comforting and delicious sweet dish that's perfect for celebrations or as a warm treat during cold weather. Enjoy your homemade atta halwa!