Moong dal halwa is a popular dessert in India, made from moong dal (split green gram), ghee (clarified butter), sugar and milk. It is a rich and indulgent dessert that is often served during festivals and special occasions. The dish originated in Rajasthan, but is now enjoyed all over India and beyond. In this blog, we will provide an easy and detailed recipe for making moong dal halwa at home, along with nutritional information, low-calorie alternatives and expert tips.
Nutritional Values
Moong dal is a good source of protein, fibre and various vitamins and minerals. It is low in fat and high in antioxidants, making it a healthy addition to any diet. However, the addition of ghee and sugar in the halwa recipe can make it a high-calorie and high-fat dessert. One serving of moong dal halwa (100g) contains around 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of ghee and sugar used.
Ingredients
1 cup moong dal (split green gram)
1 cup sugar
1 cup milk
1 cup ghee (clarified butter)
1 tsp cardamom powder
A few strands of saffron
Chopped nuts (optional)
How to Make Moong Dal Halwa
● Rinse the moong dal and soak it in water for 2-3 hours. Drain the water and grind the dal into a fine paste.
● Heat ghee in a pan and add the moong dal paste. Cook on low heat, stirring constantly, until it turns golden brown and fragrant.
● In a separate pan, heat milk and add saffron and cardamom powder. Mix well and keep aside.
● Add sugar to the moong dal mixture and continue cooking on low heat. The sugar will melt and the mixture will become more liquid.
● Add the milk mixture to the moong dal mixture and stir well. The mixture will thicken and start leaving the sides of the pan.
● Add chopped nuts (optional) and mix well.
● Serve hot or cold, garnished with more nuts.
Low-Calorie Version
For a healthier version of moong dal halwa, you can reduce the amount of ghee and sugar used. Instead of ghee, you can use a combination of oil and butter, or even just oil. You can also use a sugar substitute like stevia or honey, but keep in mind that the taste may be slightly different.
Expert Tips
● Use a heavy-bottomed pan for cooking the moong dal, as it tends to stick to the pan.
● Keep stirring the mixture constantly to prevent it from burning.
● Use good quality saffron for a rich flavour and colour.
● You can add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
● Soaking the moong dal for a few hours makes it easier to grind and cook.
Recipe Card
Here's a quick recipe card for making moong dal halwa at home:
Ingredients
1 cup moong dal (split green gram)
1 cup sugar
1 cup milk
1 cup ghee (clarified butter)
1 tsp cardamom powder
A few strands of saffron
Chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
● Rinse and soak the moong dal in water for 2-3 hours.
● Drain the water and grind the moong dal into a fine paste.
● Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan and add the moong dal paste.
● Cook on low heat, stirring constantly, until it turns golden brown and fragrant.
● In a separate pan, heat milk and add saffron and cardamom powder. Mix well and keep aside.
● Add sugar to the moong dal mixture and continue cooking on low heat.
● The sugar will melt and the mixture will become more liquid.
● Add the milk mixture to the moong dal mixture and stir well.
● The mixture will thicken and start leaving the sides of the pan.
● Add chopped nuts (optional) and mix well.
● Serve hot or cold, garnished with more nuts.
Conclusion
Moong dal halwa is a classic Indian dessert that is loved by many. It is rich, indulgent, and perfect for special occasions. With this easy recipe and expert tips, you can make moong dal halwa at home and impress your friends and family. Whether you make the traditional recipe or a low-calorie version, moong dal halwa is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
FAQs
Can I use any type of dal to make halwa?
Moong dal is the most commonly used dal for making halwa, but you can use other dals like chana dal or urad dal as well.
How long does it take to cook moong dal halwa?
It takes around 45-60 minutes to cook moong dal halwa, depending on the quantity and quality of ingredients.
Can I make moong dal halwa in advance?
Yes, you can make moong dal halwa in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I skip the nuts in the recipe?
Yes, you can skip the nuts or use any other nuts of your choice.
Is moong dal halwa vegan-friendly?
No, moong dal halwa contains ghee and milk, which are both dairy products. However, you can use vegan substitutes for these ingredients to make a vegan version of moong dal halwa.