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

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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