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Chanay ki Daal ka Halwa
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Chanay ki Daal ka Halwa

a decadent classic halwa that is irresistible in the winter months!
Course Dessert
Cuisine pakistani, indian
Servings 6
Author Sarah Mir

Ingredients

  • 1 cup chana daal (soaked overnight)
  • 1 litre whole milk
  • 1 ¼ cup ghee (or butter, or combination)
  • 3-4 whole cloves
  • 3-4 whole cardamoms, slightly smashed
  • ½ tsp cardamom powder
  • small pinch Saffron (optional)
  • 1 ½ cup sugar
  • ⅛ tsp salt

Instructions

  • SImmer the chanay ki daal in the milk until tender, this can take an hour to 90 minutes. When you press the daal it should break very easily.
  • Cook down the milk on low flame (milk boils over fast) so it is an inch above the chanay ki daal 
  • Let cool then puree. If the chana daal does not have any liquid left in it it will not puree since it is naturally thick . 
  • Heat ghee in a non stick wok on medium heat and add cloves and cardamom
  • When they start to sputter add your  chana daal puree.
  • Stir vigorously, first you will see the ghee absorb into the daal, but the mixture will still be beige in color
  • Add the cardamom powder, salt, and saffron into the halwa, keep stirring
  • When the halwa gets to a caramelly color, about 15-20 minutes then add the sugar. Make sure you to stir the halwa contiuously. If the halwa feels like it's catching/burning then turn the heat down.
  • Once the sugar goes in it will thicken the halwa, but as it cooks the halwa will become more liquid-y. Keep cooking (and stirring) till it reaches the a rich caramel. 
  • If the mixture looks thick or chewy then add a splash of milk to loosen it then press into a plate. 
  • Scatter blanched sliced almonds over top and cut into pieces.
  • You can also freeze the halwa for upto 3 months!

Notes

The trick to getting a chanay ki daal ka halwa right is muscle work, keep cooking and keep stirring to get that rich caramelly deliciousness!