Diwali Sweets

Milk Halwa

This mouthwatering milk halwa is a quick and simple dessert. It is just like aavin palkova. Kids will surely like this yummy milk halwa.

Milk halwa, also known as doodh ka halwa, is a delicious and traditional Indian sweet dish that is made using full-fat milk, brown sugar, and a few other key ingredients. This recipe is unique in its use of milk as the main ingredient, which provides a rich and creamy texture to the halwa. If you're a fan of Indian desserts, then this is a must-try recipe that will surely satisfy your sweet cravings. Follow along with the step-by-step instructions to create the perfect milk halwa right in your own kitchen.

What Is Milk Halwa?

Milk halwa, also known as doodh ka halwa, is a traditional Indian sweet dish that is made using full-fat milk, sugar, semolina, and a few other key ingredients. This dessert is known for its rich and creamy texture, as well as its irresistible flavor and aroma.
The combination of succulent full-fat milk with brown sugar, semolina, and a hint of cardamom powder, creates a unique and satisfying dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The addition of saffron adds a touch of warmth and exotic flavor to this delightful sweet dish.
Milk halwa is often enjoyed during festivals and special celebrations in India, and it is loved for its comforting and indulgent taste. The process of cooking the milk down to a thick, sticky consistency brings out the natural sweetness and richness of the milk, resulting in a dessert that is truly decadent and irresistible.

Why You'll Love Milk Halwa?

Creamy and Rich Texture: Milk halwa has a smooth and creamy texture that melts in your mouth, making it a deliciously indulgent dessert.
Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: This recipe includes full-fat milk, which is a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamins. It also contains brown sugar, ghee, and saffron, which provide essential nutrients and antioxidants.
Good Source of Energy: The combination of milk, semolina, and ghee in milk halwa provides a good amount of energy, making it a perfect sweet treat for a quick boost.
Digestive Health Benefits: The use of curd in this recipe helps in improving gut health and aids in digestion, making it a healthier option compared to other desserts.
Saffron for Health: Saffron, which is added at the end, not only enhances the flavor but also offers various health benefits, including mood boosting and improving heart health.
Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it's a festival, celebration, or simply a sweet craving, milk halwa is a delightful and satisfying dessert that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients for Milk Halwa

Full fat milk: The main ingredient of the milk halwa, the full-fat milk is boiled and reduced to achieve a creamy and rich texture.
Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a caramel-like flavor to the halwa, giving it a rich and indulgent taste.
Semolina (Rava / Sooji): Provides a slightly grainy and nutty texture to the halwa, enhancing its overall mouthfeel.
Curd: Helps in achieving a creamy texture and adds a slight tanginess to balance out the sweetness.
Ghee: Adds a rich and buttery flavor to the halwa, as well as helps in preventing it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Cardamom powder and Saffron: These two ingredients add a distinct and aromatic flavor to the halwa, making it more fragrant and delicious.

How To Make Milk Halwa?

Milk halwa is a delicious and flavorful Indian sweet that is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Follow these simple steps to create a batch of this delectable treat.

Start by using a thick bottomed pan to make the milk halwa. This will prevent it from burning at the bottom during the cooking process.
Begin by boiling half a liter of full-fat milk. Once it starts to boil, reduce the heat to low and let it cook until it reduces to about one-third of its original volume. This process usually takes around 10 minutes.
Next, add 1/3 cup of brown sugar to the reduced milk and mix it well.
Then, add 1 tablespoon of semolina (rava/sooji) to the mixture and continue to mix well.
Allow the mixture to cook until it starts to thicken. Be sure to stir continuously to prevent burning at the bottom of the pan.
When the mixture thickens, add 1 tablespoon of curd. The mixture may start to split, so be sure to do this over low heat and continue to stir.
Keep stirring the mixture continuously until it becomes thick and starts to stick. At this stage, add 1 tablespoon of melted ghee and continue to stir constantly.
As the mixture continues to thicken, add another tablespoon of ghee at regular intervals and continue cooking.
Once the mixture begins to come together without sticking to the sides of the pan, add cardamom powder and mix well.
Once the mixture reaches the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and add a pinch of saffron. Mix well for 2 to 3 minutes, and at this stage, it will start to ooze ghee.
Transfer the milk halwa to a serving plate and enjoy the rich and creamy flavors.

By following these steps and paying attention to the key points, you can create a delicious batch of milk halwa that is sure to delight your taste buds.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a side: Milk halwa pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of chai for a delightful after-dinner treat.
Garnish with: Sprinkle some chopped nuts like almonds, cashews, or pistachios over the halwa for added texture and flavor.
Accompany with: Serve the milk halwa with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a decadent dessert.
Serve alongside: For a complete meal, pair the milk halwa with a savory dish like vegetable biryani or aloo paratha.
Add a touch of freshness: Balance the richness of the halwa by serving it with a side of fresh fruit like mango slices or pomegranate seeds.
Enjoy with: A dollop of whipped cream on top of the milk halwa adds a creamy and luxurious touch to the dessert.

Tips for Making Delicious Milk Halwa

Preparation Duration: It takes approximately 30 minutes to make this mouthwatering milk halwa from start to finish, so make sure you have enough time set aside for the process.
Cooking Techniques: Using a thick bottomed pan is essential to prevent the halwa from burning at the bottom. Keep the heat low to cook the milk until it becomes almost 1/3rd to achieve the perfect consistency.
Importance of Garnishing: Don't forget to garnish the milk halwa with a pinch of saffron for an added pop of color and flavor. Presentation is key!
Stirring Constantly: When cooking the halwa, it's crucial to stir continuously to avoid burning at the bottom. This will ensure the halwa cooks evenly and has a smooth texture.
Adding Melted Ghee: Adding melted ghee at regular intervals is essential to achieve the perfect texture and taste of the milk halwa. This will give it a rich and indulgent flavor.
Check for Consistency: Keep a close eye on the halwa as you cook it. When it starts to come together without sticking to the sides of the pan, it's ready to be transferred to the serving plate.

By following these tips and techniques, you'll be able to make a delectable batch of milk halwa that's sure to impress your friends and family!

Variations for Milk Halwa

Nut Variations: Try adding chopped nuts like almonds, cashews, or pistachios to add a crunchy texture and enhance the flavor of the milk halwa.
Fruit Variations: Experiment with adding dried fruits such as raisins, chopped dates, or figs for a sweet and chewy twist to the traditional milk halwa.
Flavor Variations: Instead of cardamom powder, try using other flavors like rose water, saffron strands, or vanilla extract to give the milk halwa a unique and aromatic taste.
Coconut Variations: Incorporate desiccated coconut or coconut milk to give a tropical and creamy touch to the milk halwa.
Chocolate Variations: For a decadent twist, mix in cocoa powder or chocolate chips to create a chocolatey milk halwa that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Spice Variations: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger powder for an unexpected and warming flavor profile to the milk halwa.

By experimenting with these variations, you can create a personalized and innovative version of the classic milk halwa recipe.

How to Store Milk Halwa

Store in an airtight container: After the milk halwa has cooled down to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container to maintain its freshness and prevent it from drying out.
Refrigerate for longer shelf life: If you want to store the milk halwa for a few days, it is best to refrigerate it. This will help to keep it fresh and prevent spoilage.

-Keep away from moisture: Moisture can cause the milk halwa to spoil quickly, so make sure to store it in a dry place, away from any source of moisture.

Use fresh, quality ingredients: To ensure the best taste and longer shelf life, use fresh and high-quality ingredients, especially full-fat milk and ghee.
Consume within a few days: Milk halwa is best enjoyed fresh, so try to consume it within 3-4 days for the best taste and texture.
Avoid exposure to air: Exposure to air can cause the milk halwa to dry out, so always cover the container tightly to prevent air from reaching the halwa.

By following these simple storage tricks, you can ensure that your milk halwa stays fresh and delicious for the longest time possible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use low-fat milk instead of full-fat milk?

Yes, you can use low-fat milk, but keep in mind that the texture and richness of the milk halwa may vary slightly compared to using full-fat milk.

How do I prevent the milk from burning at the bottom of the pan?

Using a thick bottomed pan is crucial to prevent burning. Additionally, continuously stirring the halwa while cooking over low heat will help avoid any burning.

Can I substitute brown sugar with white sugar?

Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with white sugar, but it will alter the flavor of the milk halwa slightly. Brown sugar adds a caramel-like flavor, so keep that in mind when making the substitution.

What can I do if the halwa becomes too thick?

If the halwa becomes too thick, you can add a small amount of milk or ghee to adjust the consistency according to your preference.

Can I add nuts or dried fruits to the milk halwa?

Absolutely! You can enhance the flavor and texture of the milk halwa by adding chopped nuts or dried fruits during the cooking process or as a garnish before serving.

How long does the milk halwa stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container, the milk halwa can stay fresh for 2 to 3 days at room temperature and up to a week when refrigerated. Be sure to consume it within this timeframe for the best taste and quality.

Recipe Card

Milk Halwa 2019-10-21 04:33:25

Milk Halwa

Serves 4

Prep Time 00:05

Cook Time 00:25

Total Time 00:30

Ingredients

1/2 litre (2 cups) full fat milk
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp rava /semolina /sooji
1 tbsp curd
3 to 4 tbsp melted ghee
1/8 tsp cardamom powder
pinch of saffron

Instructions

Use a thick bottomed pan to make this milk halwa so that it does not get burnt at the bottom.
Boil milk. When it starts to boil, turn the heat to low and cook until it becomes almost 1/3rd. It takes 10 mins.
Now add 1/3rd cup of brown sugar, mix well.
Then add 1 tbsp of semolina / rava /sooji, mix well.
Cook until it starts to thicken.
At this stage, add 1 tbsp of curd. It will start to split, Do all these processes over low heat.
Keep stirring continuously, to avoid burning at the bottom.
When it becomes thicken and stick, add 1 tbsp of melted ghee and stir constantly.
When it sticks, add another tbsp of ghee at regular intervals and keep cooking.
Add cardamom powder and mix well.
At one stage, it will come together without sticking to the sides of the pan as shown in the picture.
Now switch off the heat,
Then add a pinch of saffron and mix well for 2 to 3 mins. Now it starts to ooze the ghee. At this stage transfer the milk halwa to the serving plate.

By Santhi Therese The Indian Claypot

https://theindianclaypot.com/