Milk, grains, pulses and dry fruits are nature’s gifts to the humankind as long as they are not heavily processed or coated with preservatives. Almonds or badamas they are widely called in India, are one of the best dry fruit and are available anywhere in the world. While most people roast it or prepare it as milk to consume it, Indians invented a much better way to relish this wonder dry fruit.
Badam halwa is perfect sweet for any celebrations or as an evening snack on the normal days! Badam halwa is a very old recipe that has a changed a little over time. However, it is an all-time favorite sweet for adults and children alike. A halwa is like pudding and can be prepared with any ingredients. However, badam halwa is at the top of the list. It uses whole wheat flour as the main ingredient. Weight watchers may indulge in it without feeling guilty as long as it is eaten moderately.
This Badam Halwa Recipe stores well. You can store it in a airtight container set and eat later, and it will still taste as delicious as freshly prepared.
Health Benefits
- Almonds contain a massive amount of nutrients, antioxidants, and vitamin E. They can assist with blood sugar control. It has magnesium which helps to manage blood pressure levels.
- Almonds can also lower cholesterol levels, prevent harmful oxidation of LDL cholesterol. Almonds in between meals reduce hunger, lowering your overall calorie intake and is known to be effective for weight loss
Ingredients
1 cup almonds (badam)
1/2 cup ghee
3/4 cup milk
1 tbsp whole wheat flour
3/4 cup sugar
a few strands of saffron
1/2 tsp cardamom powder
2 tbsp almonds, slivered
How To Make Badam Halwa Recipe
- Before preparation, soak the almonds in water for at least 8 hours. Drain and de-skin the almonds. Keep aside.
- Blend the almonds. Do not add water. The texture must be coarse.
- Heat the ghee in a deep non-stick wok (kadhai).
- Add the almond blend, mix well and cook on a medium flame for at least 7 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally.
- On the other side, add the milk and water to a hollow pan. Boil it for 4-5 minutes. Keep aside.
- Add the whole wheat flour to the almond mixture, mix well.
- Cook on a medium flame for 2 minutes and continue to stir.
- Add the milk mixture to the almonds.
- On a medium flame, continue to stir halwa mix for another 5 minutes.
- Add sugar and let it dissolve.
- Stir 2 minutes and add the saffron, mix well and cook for 1 minute more.
- Turn off the flame, add the cardamom powder and mix again.
- Garnish with the almond slivers.
- Store in an air-tight container or serve warm.
Trivia
- The word "almond" comes from Old French almande or allemande.
- Chocolate companies currently use 40 percent of the world's almonds and 20 percent of the world's peanuts.
- A confection made of flour (of various kinds), sugar, water, nuts and with or without oil/fat, the halwa has decidedly Arab origins, from where it seems to have traveled both East and West, through trade and conquest.