Sadia Hussain
Nov 12, 2018
Almond Halwa Recipe
Almond halwa is a real labor of love but, beware...it's one of those desserts that is super addictive. You know you should only be having a few spoonfuls but it's hard to stop at that 😋.
Halwa is a decadent, Pakistani dessert which can be made with fruits, nuts or vegetables cooked in milk, sugar and ghee. One of my all-time favorites is this almond halwa made with a few simple ingredients.
This thick, sweet, smooth halwa is not difficult to make but it is time consuming and a bit messy. That's why when I do make it, I pop a few portions in the freezer to take out whenever I want to treat my family or friends.
Almond Halwa Recipe
Sadia Hussain
SERVES
12
TOTAL TIME
1 Hour
INGREDIENTS
2 cups whole almonds, soaked overnight and peeled
3/4 cup ghee
5 cups water
4 cups sugar
10 black cardamom pods
1/2 teaspoon saffron
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup almond sticks, roasted for garnish (optional)
METHOD
In a medium pot, boil water and sugar for 10 minutes until sugar is completely dissolved and you have a slightly thick syrup.
In a mortar and pestle, pound black cardamom pods and saffron threads until you get a fine powder.
Add powder to syrup and set aside.
In a blender, blend almonds with a little water to a smooth paste, in two batches.
In a large nonstick pan, that has a lid, heat ghee, add almond paste and cook covered, on high heat, for 20 minutes.
Stir every few minutes.
Carefully pour the syrup over the almond paste.
I wear an oven mitt and take the pan off the heat for a few seconds as I mix every 5 minutes until halwa is thick.
Take off the heat and mix in heavy cream until combined.
Garnish with almond sticks (optional)
Tips and Bits
You can grind the almonds with milk, if you prefer.
Allow halwa to cool completely before freezing in freezer bags.
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