Gur Ka Halwa Recipe | Sooji Halwa with Jaggery

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Indulge in the warm and comforting flavors of Gur ka Halwa, a winter special delight that perfectly blends semolina, jaggery, and aromatic spices. This cozy dessert is a delightful treat for chilly evenings!

Growing up in India, winters held a special place in my heart. I have fond memories of my grandma preparing Gur ka Halwa regularly during the chilly season. Not only was the house filled with the sweet aroma of the halwa, but my grandma would also take it to the temple, offering this homemade treat to God as a gesture of gratitude.

It was a tradition that made winters even more special for us, as we eagerly awaited to relish the delicious warmth of the halwa after the temple ritual. Those moments of enjoying the homemade Gur ka Halwa with my family, both at home and in the temple, remain a cherished part of my childhood.

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About Gur Ka Halwa
Ingredients For Gur Ka Halwa Recipe
How to make Gur Ka Halwa
Storage
Tips For Delicious Gur Ka Halwa
Frequently Asked Questions
Indian Winter Recipes
Gur Ka Halwa Recipe | Sooji Halwa with Jaggery
Indian Winter Desserts

About Gur Ka Halwa

Gur ka Halwa, also known as Jaggery Halwa, is a delectable Indian dessert made with semolina (sooji) and jaggery (gur). This winter special treat is flavored with aromatic spices like green cardamom and nutmeg, creating a rich and indulgent sweet dish that's perfect for cozy evenings.

The combination of the earthy sweetness of jaggery and the nutty texture of semolina makes Gur ka Halwa a delightful and traditional winter delicacy enjoyed across India.

Ingredients For Gur Ka Halwa Recipe

Here's a brief description of the main ingredients used in the Gud Sooji ka Halwa recipe:

Sooji (Semolina): Sooji, also known as semolina, is a coarse wheat product. It adds a wonderful texture to the halwa and is a common ingredient in various Indian sweets.
Gud (Jaggery): Jaggery is a natural sweetener made from concentrated sugarcane juice. It has a distinctive flavor and is rich in minerals. It's a healthier alternative to refined sugar and imparts a unique taste to the halwa.
Ghee (Clarified Butter): Ghee is a staple in Indian cuisine and adds a rich and buttery flavor to the halwa. It also helps in roasting the sooji to perfection.
Almonds and Pistachios: Nuts like almonds and pistachios provide a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor to the halwa. They are also rich in protein and healthy fats.
Green Cardamom Powder: Cardamom is a fragrant spice that adds a sweet and floral aroma to the halwa. Green cardamom powder is commonly used in Indian sweets.
Nutmeg Powder: Nutmeg has a warm, slightly sweet flavor. A small amount of nutmeg powder complements the other spices and enhances the overall taste of the halwa.
Water: Water is used to make the jaggery syrup, which is then added to the roasted sooji. It helps in creating the right consistency for the halwa.

These ingredients come together to create a delightful and aromatic Gud Sooji ka Halwa with a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness.

How to make Gur Ka Halwa

Here's a simple and delicious recipe for Gud Sooji ka Halwa:

Using a mortar and pestle, grind the cardamom seeds to a fine powder and set aside. Chop almonds and pistachios, and set aside.
Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat.
Add the sooji (semolina) to the hot ghee and roast it continuously on low to medium flame until it turns golden brown. This step is crucial to get a nice aroma and flavor in the halwa. Keep stirring to avoid burning.
In a separate pan, heat water and jaggery (gud) together. Stir continuously until the jaggery dissolves completely. Strain the jaggery water to remove impurities.
Stir in chopped almonds and pistachios to the roasted sooji, reserving some for garnishing. Roast the nuts for couple of minutes.
Next add green cardamom powder and nutmeg powder to the roasted sooji. Mix well.
Slowly add the jaggery water to the roasted sooji while continuously stirring to avoid lumps. Be careful as the mixture may splutter.
Keep stirring the mixture until it thickens and the sooji absorbs the jaggery water.
Continue cooking until the halwa reaches the desired consistency. It should leave the sides of the pan and come together as a mass.
Once the halwa is ready, turn off the heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes.
Garnish with the reserved nuts.

Serve warm Gud Sooji ka Halwa and enjoy the rich, nutty, and aromatic flavors! It's a perfect sweet treat for festivals or any special occasion.

Storage

Store Gud Sooji ka Halwa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a pan or microwave, adding a bit of water or milk if needed to restore its original moisture.

Tips For Delicious Gur Ka Halwa

Here are some tips to enhance your preparation of Gud Sooji ka Halwa:

Roasting Sooji: Ensure the sooji is roasted well until it turns golden brown for a rich flavor. Be attentive and stir continuously to prevent burning.
Jaggery Syrup: Strain the jaggery syrup to remove impurities and achieve a smooth texture in the halwa.
Consistency: Achieve the desired halwa consistency by adjusting the quantity of water added. It should be moist and come together as a mass without being too dry.
Nuts: Toast the almonds and pistachios before adding to the halwa for enhanced flavor and crunch.
Spice Balance: Adjust the amount of green cardamom and nutmeg powder to suit your taste preferences, ensuring a well-balanced and aromatic halwa.
Ghee Quality: Use good-quality ghee for a rich and authentic taste. The ghee adds a significant flavor to the halwa. Here's the recipe for homemade ghee.
Garnishing: Reserve some chopped nuts for garnishing at the end to add a fresh and visually appealing touch.
Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of milk or water to restore moisture and prevent the halwa from becoming too dry.
Serve Warm: Gud Sooji ka Halwa is best enjoyed warm, so serve it fresh for the best taste and texture.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can elevate the flavors and texture of your Gud Sooji ka Halwa for a delightful culinary experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is halwa made from?

Halwa is a sweet dish made from a base ingredient such as semolina (sooji), wheat, lentils, or fruits, combined with sugar or jaggery, ghee (clarified butter), and often flavored with spices and nuts. The mixture is cooked to a dense, pudding-like consistency, resulting in a delicious and popular dessert in various cultures.

Which halwa is healthy?

Halwa made with ingredients like whole wheat flour, jaggery, and nuts is generally considered a healthier option as it provides fiber, essential nutrients, and natural sweetness without refined sugars. Choosing variations with minimal ghee and incorporating nutritious elements can contribute to a healthier version of halwa.

Which is the famous halwa in India?

One of the most famous halwas in India is "Gajar ka Halwa" or carrot halwa, made with grated carrots, milk, ghee, sugar, and garnished with nuts. It is especially popular during festivals and celebrations for its rich and indulgent taste.

Indian Winter Recipes