Badam Halwa With Almond Flour
Here's an easy and authentic 30-minute recipe for Badam Halwa, a rich and decadent Indian almond pudding that's flavored with fresh cardamom and saffron.
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 422kcal
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon ghee
- 1 cup super-fine almond flour
- 4 tablespoons slivered almonds, chopped (reserve 1 tablespoon for garnish)
- 1 cup milk or almond milk for dairy-free/ vegan
- ½ cup water
- ½ teaspoon saffron
- ¾ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon cardamom powder (about 4-5 cardamom pods, seeded and ground)
- 1-2 tablespoons milk powder (full-fat) optional
Instructions
- Combine milk, water, sugar, and saffron in a glass measuring cup (for ease of pouring). Heat it in the microwave for 3 minutes or until the sugar dissolves completely. You can also heat this in a small saucepan on the stovetop. Keep it aside for later.
- Heat a deep pan on medium heat, then add ghee. Reserve 1 tablespoon of slivered almonds for garnish and add the rest to the pan along with almond flour.
- Saute this for 3 to 4 minutes until the almond flour turns a shade or two darker. Be careful to not brown it as that would leave a bitter taste.
- Add warmed saffron milk to the pot, and whisk well to prevent lumps.
- Reduce the heat to 'medium-low' and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes to prevent the almond mix from sticking to the bottom.
- Stir in ground cardamom. Continue to cook the halwa until it stops sticking to the pan and reaches a pudding-like consistency.
- Optional Step: Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of dry milk powder. This helps thicken the halwa faster and gives it a creamier taste.
- Halwa is ready when it stops sticking to the pan. Turn off the heat and transfer to a heat-safe bowl.
- Garnish with the reserved slivered almonds and dried rose petals (optional) and serve warm.
Video
Notes
- For best results use super-fine blanched almond flour.
- Fresh cardamom is always the best choice for Indian sweets. Peel 3 to 4 green cardamom pods and crush them in a mortar or pestle or coffee grinder.
- Pick good quality saffron for the most amazing floral aroma and deep yellow color. Buy the smallest quantity you can find and store the remaining in a cool, dark, place.
- To check for doneness, take a tiny portion of the halwa in a spoon, cool it, then gently roll it with your finger. If you're able to form a tiny ball, it's done. If it continues to stick to the spoon, simmer it for a few more minutes.
- This recipe makes a rich and decadent halwa. But feel free to customize the ghee quantity to your desired level of richness, adding 1 tablespoon at a time.
Nutrition
Calories: 422kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 21mg | Potassium: 130mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 41g | Vitamin A: 75IU | Calcium: 137mg | Iron: 1.4mg