Dates Halwa

When special occasions are around the corner, it becomes hard to decide what dessert should be presented. Since dessert is –usually- eaten after the meal, it must be something that ties the entire experience together. While many people opt for the usual cake, pastry, or custards, opting for dates halwa can be the perfect way to soothe activated taste buds.

The prep time for this recipe is 15 minutes, and cook time is 30 minutes. The serving size is 6. This recipe stores well. You can store it in a storage container and eat later, and it will still taste as delicious as freshly prepared.

Here is how you can make the best dates halwa.

Health Benefits

Dates are known to have high fiber contents and are easily digestible. Some researches have showed that dates cha help cure abdominal diseases such as abdominal cancer. Other researches show that eating dates can prevent nighttime blindness, treat constipation, improve eye health, and be a solution for alcoholic intoxication.

Calories in 1 bowl: 1085.00

Carbs: 72%, 156.62 g

Protein: 7%, 15.76 g

Fat: 20%, 44.07 g

Fiber: 8.83 g

Ingredients

kg dates, washed and deseeded: 1/2

gm khoya: 250

cup of semolina: 1/2

cup of sugar: 1/2

gm almonds, chopped: 50

gm pistachios, chopped: 50

tbsp of honey: 3

kewra (extract distilled from the pandanus plant flower): 2

cup of water: 1/2

How To Make Dates Halwa

1. blend dates until it reaches a rough, paste-like texture.
2. Place a wok over medium-high flame and pour ½ cup ghee into it. Put the chopped dates into the ghee and let it cook on a low heat.
3. In a separate pan, add 3 tbspof ghee and semolina to it. Let it cook on low heat until the semolina begins to turn light brown. Make sure you are stirring continuously, otherwise the semolina can burn.
4. Addpartly roastedsemolina to the dates. Slowly, add the kewra, sugar, and honey. Incorporate the mixture well and keep stirring after every addition.
5. Add ½ cup water. After the water dries up completely, you can mix in chopped almonds and pistachios.
6. Lastly, add the khoya and the remaining ½ cup water and let cook until the halwa begins to excrete oil.
7. Dates halwa can be served hot and cold. 

Pro tip: For bestresults, make sure you are cooking it on a low-medium heat and stirring in between.

Trivia 

• Halwa is not always a dessert, it can be based on ingredients like lentils, beans, and vegetables (yams, squashes, pumpkins, and carrots).
• The word “halwa” became a part of the English language between 1840 and 1850.
• The two most common types of halwas are flour based and nut butter based.
• Globally, when someone says halwa, it refers to desserts or sweets.