Halva or halwa is a dish that is native to Persia. In the 7th century, a reference to halva appears, referring to a mixture of mashed dates and milk. Halwa is derived from the Arabic term 'Hulw,' which means sweet, and is said to have entered the English language between 1840 and 1850. Halwa originated in Arabic nations and arrived in India via Persia, according to Abdul Halim Sharar, a 20th-century author and historian. The word was given to a variety of sweets by the 9th century, including the now-familiar sweetened cooked semolina or flour paste. Many of the earlier Persian recipes were described in the Arabic book Kitab al-Tabikh (The Book of Dishes) from the 13th century, as well as an anonymous cookbook from Moorish Spain from the same period. The Ottoman Turks embraced and expanded halva, creating a sesame-based variety, and it spread across their empire.
Here are some types of delicious halwa that you can make for your sweet tooth cravings
Atte ka halwa
Atte ka halwa is my favourite halwa of all. This is the basic halwa that tastes sweet enough to fulfil the sweet tooth cravings. The wheat flour is cooked with milk, elaichi powder sugar and some water. You may add some dry fruits to it and enjoy this classic halwa that is an all-time favourite.
Chana dal halwa
In this recipe, ground chana dal is soaked and sautéed before being made into a rich and heavy halwa with cardamom and saffron on top. This halwa has dual flavours of cardamom and saffron.
Badam Halwa
This recipe feels royal as it is solely made of almonds. The almonds are blanched and peeled before being cooked in desi ghee until brown. It's the ideal way to round off your dinner. All you'd need are almonds, sugar, and ghee, and you're done! Your badam halwa is now ready to eat.
Lauki ka halwa
This dish is made by simmering bottle guard or lauki in milk. Sugar is added to it and the halwa is flavoured with cardamom powder. This halwa has a light green colour that is pleasing to the eyes.
Khajoor halwa
This dish is one of the royal and festive recipes. Dates are cooked with khoya and a lot of dry fruits. This dish is a speciality during the festive days of Ramadan.
Sooji halwa
Sooji halwa is widely popular in Indian households. This is the go-to halwa that fulfils the midnight sweet cravings. This recipe doesn't need many ingredients. All you need is sooji, sugar and some water. This is the easiest halwa recipe that you can ever make.
Besan halwa
Besan halwa is the other easiest recipe that can be cooked in less than an hour. Besan is readily available in all the households, hence this makes it a basic homely dessert that is sweet and moist. It has several nutritional properties too and is a great option for winters.
Gajar ka halwa
Who doesn't like Gajar ka halwa? This dish is loved by every Indian. You cannot enjoy winters without this delicacy. The grated carrots are cooked with khoya and sugar and it just adds a balanced flavour to the sweetness of the khoya. Gajar ka halwa is not just a dish, but an emotion for all the Indians!