Learn how to make Moong Dal Halwa with step by procedure|Moong Dal Halwa Recipe
Moong Dal Halwa, a rich Indian dessert made with Split and Skinned Moong Lentils(Yellow/Dhulhi Moong Dal) with lots of ghee and nuts
Moong Dal Halwa is famous North India dessert prepared during festivals and celebrations.It is served at almost all the wedding parties. Kids and grown ups all love MoongDal Halwa. It is another winter delicacy in North India after Gajar Ka Halwa and Atte Ki Panjiri.
Ghee and nuts laden piping hot Moong Dal Halwa is a comforting treat in North Indian winters. Not only for parties many people make it in batches and like to have it for dessert after dinner. Having small portions of desserts after dinner is tradition in many families and is also considered good for digestion. All these desserts are loaded with ghee and nuts and a must have for many to keep the body warm and nourished.
Ghee , Nuts , Moong dal make it a protein rich treat that should be consumed in limited amount. For those who are on restricted diets due to high cholesterol and sugar should avoid having it regularly though indulge in this treat once in a while!!
What is Moong Dal Halwa
Halwa in India is usually made with flours like Sooji Halwa, Besan Halwa, Atte Ka Halwa, nuts like Badam Halwa and vegetables and fruits like Pumpkin and Carrot(Gajar) Ka Halwa), Pineapple Halwa. Other versions like Beetroot Halwa are also getting popular these day and may more variations introduced every day.It is different from the Halva of the Central Asia.
Moong Dal Halwa is made with split and skinned Moong lentil(Dhuli Moong Dal), which is soaked for few hrs, ground in coarse paste and cooked in ghee, nuts, khoya and milk. Sugar is added as sweetener. Many people like to make it with green moong dal(split moong lentils). Soak it overnight wash it thoroughly a couple of times to remove the skin or peel and then use it to make Halwa.
This Halwa is definitely rich in calories and sugar, but once in a while we can indulge in this calorie laden sweet treat especially on special occasions. As I always say, you can work out a little more or walk an extra mile, after such treats!! Once in a year I do make such sweet treats especially on festivals or get-together.
My hubby loves Moong Dal Halwa and it's he who enjoys it more than anyone else in family!! He and kids have sweet-tooth, so they love to indulge in such desserts. I don't like much of the desserts except a few like my favorite Gulab Jamun, Sooji Halwa or anything with moderately sweet,and then I need something savory along with dessert .I can never end my meal only with dessert..
Get the right texture for Moong Dal Halwa
Moong Dal Halwa is a perfect crowd pleaser treat that your can make make ahead 2-3 days before serving also, for your get-together and parties. Though it takes a lot of time to cook, around 1 hr, but the result is worth taking all that efforts!!
It took me quite a few trials, to get the right consistency and texture. Once, got too chewy texture, one time it was too grainy and the first time I cooked it tasted little raw, as I didn't stirred it for the proper time.
Factors that one should keep in mind while making Moong Dal Halwa.
- Soak Dal for at least 4-hrs. This makes Dal/lentil soft.
- Drain all the water from dal before grinding. It will take less time to roast dal in ghee and also dal will not stick to pan.
- Add the right amount of milk and cook till ghee separates.
If we keep in mind these factors, you will get perfect melt-in-mouth texture and loads of praises for the delicious dessert treat.
Let's now see what I need and how to cook this delicious royal treat of Moong Dal Halwa
Ingredients..
Skinned and Split Moong Dal(Dhuli Moong Dal), Desi Ghee,Mixed nuts(Almond, Raisin, Cashew Nuts) , Milk, Khoya* see notes below.. We like sugar on moderate side so I a littlel less than 1/2 cup , if you like real sweet(or mitha) add 1/2 Cup or adjust as per your taste.
Notes: Use store-bought khoya or homemade. Check here how to make Homemade Khoya. How to make Instant Khoya , instructions are also there in recipe card.
Method..
Wash lentil in water 2-3 times and soak in enough water for 4-5 hrs.
Once ready to make, drain water in a colander/muslin cloth and keep lentil covered with a muslin cloth for about half an hour so that all water drains out.
Grind dal coarsely.
Take a non-stick pan or heavy bottomed pan, first roast nuts till it gives aroma. Take out in a bowl and keep aside.Next add remaining ghee, ground dal and roast till dal starts to turn light brown. Keep stirring on low flame.
Add khoya and again cook for 10-15 minutes.
Now, add milk and let it boil. Next, add sugar/jaggery, half cup first, check with a tiny portion of halwa. Add more if required. Cook till it leaves ghee.
Add cardamom powder, finely chopped nuts, mix well and serve hot.
Recipe Card
Moong Dal Halwa
Equipment
- Kadhai/Heavy Bottomed pan
- Ladle
- Processor/Grinder to grind lentil.
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Dhuli /Split Skinned Moong Lentil
- 1/2 Cup Khoya(homemade or store bought)
- 1/2 Cup Sugar/Jaggery adjust as per taste
- 1/2 Cup Mixed Nuts(Almonds, Cashew Nuts, Raisins, Pistachios)
- 1 Cup Desi Ghee
- 1 Cup Milk
- 1 tsp Cardamom Powder
- 5-6 Saffron Strands
Instant Khoya
- 1 Cup Milk Powder
- 2 tbsp Ghee
- 2 tbsp Milk
Instructions
- Wash lentil 2-3 times n running water and soak for at least 4-5 hrs.
- Drain water and then leave it on colander/sieve or muslin cloth for about 30 mins -1 hr so that water drains out completely.
- Grind dal coarsely.Chop nuts finely.
- Take a non-stick pan or heavy bottomed pan, first roast nuts till it gives aroma. Take out in a bowl and keep aside.
- Next add remaining ghee, ground dal and roast till dal starts to turn light brown. Keep stirring on low flame.
- Add khoya and again cook for 10-15 minutes.
- Now, add milk and let it boil. Next, add sugar/jaggery, half cup first, check with a tiny portion of halwa. Add more if required.
- Cook till it leaves ghee.
Make Instant Khoya(optional)
- Take a cup of milk powder, add 2 tbsp of ghee, 2 tbsp of milk and microwave or cook till it thickens.
- Transfer to another bowl or pate, let it cool, knead it and then crumble to add in halwa.
Linking to Facebook foodies group, Foodie Monday Bloghop, where the fellow participating bloggers are dishing up Diwali Special treats for theme #DiwaliDhamaka since it is Diwali time.
Make this Royal rich Moong Dal Halwa and celebrate the auspicious festival with lights, crackers , food and fun!!
Hope you all have bright , happy and prosperous Diwali. Let's Explore, Cook, Eat and Celebrate!!
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poonampagar
Moong dal halwa is our all time favourite dessert. We love to have it piping hot during winter evenings. With oddles of ghee and nuts Nd the khoya i am sure your halwa tastes yumm.
namscorner18
Moong dal halwa with lot of nuts and ghee looks so inviting and mouthwatering. Well explained recipe and beautiful pictures
Sasmita Sahoo Samanta
Moong Dal Halwa looks to have a lovely texture all over 🙂 Such a pretty presentation as well here swaty ! Enriched with desi ghee and nuts the halwa must be so delicious and hope you all had a lovely diwali ..........
preethi76
Beautiful presentation Swaty. I love piping hot moong dal halwa loaded with nuts. Your recipe is such a delicious treat this diwali.Beautifully explained .
Vasusvegkitchen
Moong dal halwa looks very delicious Swaty, I once prepared this halwa loved your version. You explained it very well with step by step pics and tips. I just love its flavor it's very aromatic, yummy.
mayurisjikoni
Love the presentation. Swaty, moong dal halwa is one of my favorite. I tried making it once at home but it did not turn out nice. I now have a recipe I can follow.
The Girl Next Door
I don't think I have ever had Moong Dal Halwa. Isn't that sad? Yours looks absolutely delicious!
Thank you for the wonderful recipe, including tips and tricks to get the halwa just right. I'll surely be trying this out.
Megala
I love moong dal halwa for the delicious flavor, but I do find it difficult to get the right texture. Thanks for sharing all these tips, and I just can't wait to try this. 🙂
tastyrecipesfrompooja
The Halwa looks very delicious Moong Daal Halwa is one of my favourites, I once made it using a little raagi flour added in as well! This is on my bucket list and I want to make it just as it's served in weddings or restaurants here!